Chiswick Gardeners Win Chelsea Silver Medal
Ruth and Frederic win award for Italian garden on first attempt
A contemporary artisan garden inspired by British and Italian culture secured a coveted silver medal at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show for two local designers.
It was the first time Ruth Willmott and Frederic Whyte based in Chiswick, both graduates from the English Gardening School have had their work on show at Chelsea.
The APCO garden was based on the legacy of historical Italian garden design principles. In particular, it was inspired by the highly original ‘Water Table’ at Villa Lante, created as a focal point for sociable life.
With a record number of entrants to the artisan category this year they won their medal amidst stiff competition. Six of the eight successful entrants had Chelsea experience before with five winning gold at previous shows.
The duo run their own landscape and garden design company in Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick.
Ruth said: “It was a great privilege to be involved in such an exciting event as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We are delighted that our entry was selected and hope this is the first of many appearances.”
Frederic added, “We were particularly excited about our design, which combined the magic of historical Italian garden design elements such as stonework and water with contemporary British horticulture to create a modern and elegant external space.”
Garden design is a second career for both of them. Ruth worked as a management consultant and Frederic in academia before they met on the Garden Design Diploma at the English Gardening School.
Presenting to senior management at APCO Worldwide, Ruth and Frederic were also able to secure sole sponsorship from this global communication services firm.
July 16, 2015