JOE PERKINS
Landscapearchitect Joe Perkins has
been creating beautiful spaces for almost
20 years. This year, he is designingThe
Facebook Garden: Beyond the Screen.Is this your first Chelsea show garden?
I have been involved in some amazing show gardens
at Chelsea for over 12 years, from project managing
to design detailing. But this year will mark my first
solo design and I couldn’t be more excited.What attracted you to the project?
I use social media for my business and appreciate
how it can be an incredible force for good. But as
the father of three young boys, I understand concerns
about how it is used and its impact on wellbeing.What is the thinking behind the garden’s design?
It will be a garden of water and stone, with tidal rock
pools, a timber deck and metal canopy, representing
the dramatic coastal environment of northern Spain,
where I often holiday with my family.Is there anything you are worried about?
The plants, because there’s an added level of
unpredictability when dealing with living material.
I’m also nervous of putting myself out there for the
first time, but I hope most people will like the garden.What is your favourite thing about the space?
The rock formations, fantastic range of plants, water
engineering, use of copper to make a sculptural wave;
I’m just generally excited to see it all come together.TOM DIXON
The acclaimed designer has collaborated
with Ikea to create his first RHS Chelsea
show garden,Gardening Will Save the
World, highlighting food sustainability.How did this Ikea collaboration come about?
We’ve been talking about doing a garden together
for the past three years. Then a year and a half ago,
we were approached by the RHS, which was keen
to broaden the demographic of the audience.
Your garden theme explores urban farming and
growing our own greens at home. Why is that?
There is a lot of discussion about food production
and its sustainability, particularly as the world’s
population increases. So it’s important to encourage
people to grow plants themselves.
How did you decide on the garden design?
I am interested in wilderness and nature, but also
technology and the future. I didn’t want to choose
one over the other, so combining both and having a
discussion around that seemed the best thing to do.
How is designing a garden different from your
other design projects?
You have less control over what you grow, and
it’s about nurturing.
What would you like most for visitors to take
away from your show garden?
The idea that it’s easier to grow plants than they may
have thought. If I can do it, anyone can.
FRESH FACES AT CHELSEA
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