Adding an organic feature to gardens using natural materials has been a clear trend at RHS Chelsea this year. We love the wooden structures that stand proudly amongst the planting, they really create a powerful impact.
The One Show and RHS Garden of Hope
The stem-bent oak benches in ‘The One Show and RHS Garden of Hope’ form a sinuous soft curve that blends in perfectly with the planting.
Finding our Way: An NHS Tribute Garden
For a more powerful presence, in the ‘Finding our Way: An NHS Tribute Garden’ straight lines create a strong divide between different parts of the garden.
Guangzhou China Garden designed by Peter Chmiel with Chin-Jung Chen
These lattice arched pods really stand out in the Guangzhou China Garden designed by Peter Chmiel with Chin-Jung Chen. Hannah, Communications and HR Director at Perrywood said “I loved the relaxing blue and white palette against the wooden sculptures. It felt very calming and I liked the contrast in shape and form.”
The Pimlico Banana bench from Bramblecrest
The wooden features can create elaborate shadows across the garden and provide shade in seating areas or protect plants from direct sunlight. In our gardens at home, these structures could be mimicked with wooden arches or pergolas to create the same effect on a smaller scale. A curvaceous wooden bench would also work well as a feature. Even a simple ornament such as a wooden mushroom can provide interest within a border.