Imagine returning home to this oasis of peace and tranquillity after a day at work in the city. That was the vision that inspired Australian garden designer Charlie Albone to create this tranquil show garden for the Royal Horticultural Society’s 2016 Chelsea Flower Show. Featuring a sunken garden, a soothing water rill and a sheltered seating area, this garden has serenity at its heart. Chris Snook Garden at a Glance
Event: RHS 2016 Chelsea Flower Show
Garden designer: Charlie Albone
Built by: Conway Landscaping
Prize: Silver gilt medal Chris Snook Australian garden designer Charlie Albone created this show garden for an imagined client, whom he describes as a busy corporate couple in Melbourne, Australia. As such the garden has been created to offer a soothing retreat from urban life.

Symmetrical planting and structured box hedging provide a neat structure, while pockets of wild planting within bring color, texture and movement. Chris Snook The sunken lawn creates a protective space, offering a tranquil place to lie out in the sun surrounded by interesting perennials and exotics. One enters via steps at each end that are hedged with immaculately clipped boxwood (Buxus) hedging.

A copper water rill runs down the side of the steps and around the lawn, adding gentle movement and the soothing sound of running water to the garden. Chris Snook Rich green, deep blues and soothing whites combine in a serene palette. Here Salvia superba Caradonna, Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ and Lupinus ‘Masterpiece’ offer a shot of rich purple color against a silvery green backdrop.
Chris Snook Inspired by the need for more green space in an urban environment, Albone wanted to create a garden that harnessed what he calls the “healing effect and solace found whilst being in a garden.”

A floating cantilevered architectural structure at the back of the space creates a sheltered spot for relaxation. The structure gives a nod to typical Australian buildings. Chris Snook Behind the outdoor sofa, a bronze and copper wildlife sculpture by an Australian designer reflects the garden’s heritage.

“A beautiful garden is the perfect support system, providing an escape from life’s stresses and encouraging positive thinking,” Albone says.

Wildlife sculpture: Willy Wildlife Chris Snook A bluestone cobbled path references the garden’s Australian heritage. Chris Snook The planting is a mix of European trees and perennials mixed with exotics such as Leucadendron, Acacia, Protea and Banksia to show the variety that can be grown in Melbourne. The tall spikes of Digitalis purpurea, shown here, provide height and a soft wash of color. Chris Snook Curved fronds of Eremurus robustus peppered throughout the borders bring life and character to the formal hedges as they nod and sway in the breeze. Chris Snook Sixteen Carpinus trees line the garden, creating a shady canopy for the planting below. Chris Snook A central island of peony ‘Elsa Sass’ (ssp. ‘Mothers Choice’) at the top of the steps creates an oasis of color and scent. Placed centrally in the path, they encourage visitors to take a meandering route from the seating area to the lawn, allowing more of the garden to be admired along the way. Chris Snook Benefiting from the dappled shade of the tree canopy above, the seating area offers a cool and tranquil spot to rest and relax.