Celebrating Unprotected Spaces: A Garden of Resilience and Memory
Amidst the distant hum of traffic and the occasional cry of parakeets, a small clearing offers a moment of profound quiet. Here, at the heart of the bustling Chelsea Flower Show, a garden named “On the Edge” invites contemplation. This space, designed by Sarah Eberle, is a tribute to the often-overlooked “edgelands” – the transitional zones where urban sprawl meets the countryside.
These are not the grand, manicured landscapes typically associated with such prestigious events. Instead, “On the Edge” focuses on the modest, unprotected areas found on the fringes of our towns and cities. The garden was created to mark the centenary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and coincides with the launch of an interactive map charting England’s countryside edges, a project collecting personal stories and memories of these vital places.
A Sculptural Tribute to Nature
Dominating the design are flowing loops and swirls of willow, expertly woven through a drystone wall. These willow strands are envisioned as the flowing hair of Gaia, a monumental reclining figure carved from fallen redwood by chainsaw artist Chris Wood. The sculpture, exuding a serene, Buddha-like stillness with its bow-shaped lips and closed eyes, emanates a subtle scent of linseed oil.
The willow’s embrace extends to moss-covered dead branches and a slender tree trunk, symbolizing Gaia’s hair bringing life and vitality to the glade. The garden’s planting scheme reflects the local flora and fauna of these edgelands, featuring plants like herb robert, plantain, bramble, and nettles. It also incorporates naturalized species from personal gardens, such as the broad leaves of Rodgersia and the pale jade globes of Angelica.
Highlighting Environmental Threats
The garden’s design cleverly juxtaposes the wild with the man-made. Unexpected beauty is found in the shifting leaf shadows cast across a weathered concrete farm trough. This trough, stained with lichen and showing signs of age from livestock use, is a poignant reminder of the practical past of these utilitarian structures.
“On the Edge” is more than just an aesthetic display; it is a powerful statement about the threats facing urban edgelands. The emotional resonance of the garden is a testament to its success. This CPRE-designed garden has been awarded both a gold medal and the coveted Best in Show award.
The plants featured, from the delicate dog roses threaded through the willow to the cow parsley and ox-eye daisies, evoke childhood memories of exploring forgotten lanes and the familiar gardens of home. The hope is that others will be inspired to discover and appreciate these often-underestimated but deeply special places.
