La Regina e il Principe
Il sito dedicato al Chelsea Flower Show fa il conto alla rovescia dei giorni mancanti all’apertura: oggi 70. Forse parto in anticipo ma ormai le idee mi ruotano in testa come mulinelli di coriandoli e non riesco a scacciarle se non le scrivo.
Il Chelsea non mi è mai piaciuto. Intendo i giardini in mostra, non la fiera di piante.
Non amo le mostre di cani, di gatti e i barboncini tosati e tinti di rosa. Non mi piacciono neanche i giardini in mostra, se non si tratta di autentici giardini, perchè va da sé, che quelli del Chelsea non sono veri giardini.
Non ho abbastanza elementi per un’analisi storica della mostra, ma se non capisco male i giardini vengono man mano rimossi per lasciare spazio ad altre installazioni. Quindi hanno una durata limitata nel tempo e una funzionalità molto precisa (Mukarovsky direbbe “intenzionalità”), il che li avvicina pericolosamente al concetto di Kitsch artistico.
A questo si aggiungono considerazioni di carattere consumistico, ecodinamico, biologico, che tralascio.
E’ per questi motivi che i giardini in mostra non si possono definire giardini, e a dire il vero, gli Inglesi sono ben attenti a questo, e non li definiscono esattamente tali, o se lo fanno, è per una questione di brevità linguistica.
Si tratta di “installazioni”, installazioni come le conosciamo dall’epoca della Pop Art in poi, come quelle di Richard Long o di Marina Abramovic.
Il giardino c’è arrivato cinquant’anni dopo. Perchè negargli questo diritto?
Può darsi che queste installazioni smettano di essere così pronamente intrise di valori borghesi (piccoli giardini ecosostenibili, spazi aperti per il lavoro, terrazzini funzionali, ecc.) e inizino a diventare terreno (nel vero senso) di ricerca.
Conosciamo molti notevoli esiti artistici da lavori richiesti su commissione (Cappella Sistina docet) e alcuni (o tutti, confesso di non aver capito) i giardini proposti in questa sessione del Chelsea sono su commissione o sponsorizzati.
Nulla di male, abbiamo detto, anzi, uno dei progetti più interessanti è il semplice e umano rendering per un’associazione di amanti delle vacanze in camper:
Caravan Club - Jo Thomson
Di cui si dice:
Celebration of Caravanning
Sponsored by The Caravan Club
Designed by Jo Thompson
Built by The Outdoor RoomThe starting point and inspiration for this design is Doris, a mid-1950s aluminium caravan now tucked away in a sheltered and southerly corner of the garden. The garden is a relaxing space for the owner to use as a retreat; beautiful birch Betula albosinensis ‘Fascination’ tower over a palette of pink and cream planting that includes roses, salvias, irises and grasses.
Tactile details such as timber decking and sandstone paths, and a water rill that doubles as a wine chiller, encourage barefoot exploration of the garden. There are plenty of places to pause and enjoy the view with undulating timber benches and a hammock, partially screened by reclaimed timber posts.
Anche qui è d’ordinanza il vintage e “Doris” (il camper)è una signora degli anni Cinquanta. Avrà fatto il Sessantotto?
Però una cosa è vera: il progetto, anche solo a guardarlo così, incoraggia a camminare a piedi scalzi. E io in estate dimentico l’esistenza delle calzature se non quando devo uscire. I miei piedi diventano neri e sporchi tanto da non riuscire a pulirli neanche con la pomice. Ma a costo di passare per zozzona e incolta, il piacere di toccare le superfici con le piante dei piedi è uno per cui varrebbe la pena di pagare soldi (o tempo?). A piedi nudi nel parco non è solo un film.
Un altro progetto che mi ha incuriosita è stato questo:
rooftop workplace of tomorrow aralia design
rooftop workplace of tomorrow aralia design 2
Di questo invece si dice:
Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow
Sponsored by Walworth Garden Farm
Designed by Patricia Fox
Built by Giles LandscapesThe garden Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow is an extension of the working office which uses vacant urban rooftop space. The garden offers an innovative, thought-provoking environment that can be used by both individuals and groups.
Individuals can sit in hanging rattan egg chairs to network with smart phones or tablets. The lounge area under a weatherproof canopy can host conferences, and has a 3m x 3m video/projection screen that projects sound and visuals, surrounded by beautiful planting (including a pick-your-own herbal tea bar).
This garden challenges our perception of workplaces, and offers inspirational ideas for the future.
Sarà commerciale quanto volete, forse si poteva fare anche meglio, anche se a me sembra ben organizzato, ma se tutti i tetti degli uffici fossero così, avremmo spazi in più per lavorare, e per un lavoro che non sia deprimente, grigio, compulsivo, disumano.
Decisamente da sottoscrivere il fatto che le aziende, medie, piccole, enormi, dovrebbero attrezzarsi, avendo simili spazi, a renderli un luogo piacevole dove passare il proprio tempo lavorativo, invece di incatenarci alle scrivanie, contarci le volte che andiamo in bagno, renderci il lavoro un tormento e le otto ore passate in ufficio un furto di tempo. Si sa che chi sta bene lavora meglio, produce di più, è puntuale, sbaglia di meno ed è più efficiente ed entusiasta.
Altri progetti che hanno solleticato la mia fantasia non ce ne sono, ma per completezza li riporto tutti con le le descrizioni dei comunicati stampa.
Land'end - Adam Frost
A Rural Muse
Sponsored by Lands’ End
Designed by Adam Frost
Built by New Ground LandscapesThe garden A Rural Muse is designed for a Stamford couple who love their region’s landscape and environment, especially the walks of the well-known local peasant poet John Clare. Adam Frost has taken inspiration from the distinct and diverse countryside that shaped so much of Clare’s poetry to create a space for entertaining and relaxation designed with biodiversity and wildlife in mind.
The materials have been selected to create the garden’s regional identity. Many of the elements have multiple functions, such as the stone boulders that double up as stepping stones and seating. A green oak-framed shelter offers a focal point and attracts bees with its clover roof.
The World Vision Garden Flemons-Warland-Design
The World Vision Garden
Sponsored by World Vision
Designed by FlemonsWarlandDesign
Built by Hillier LandscapesA ripple pool at the centre of The World Vision Garden represents the effect the children’s charity has in the world’s hardest places. Circular ripples spread from the middle of the pool to its edge, symbolising how World Vision’s work with children also helps families, communities and, ultimately, entire countries.
A winding labyrinth path invites you to become part of the ripple where, at the centre, children are at the heart of everything World Vision does.
The verdant planting and sheltered canopy of the Australian tree ferns create a soothing atmosphere. The trees, along with the walls enclosing the garden, provide shelter to the pool and highlight World Vision’s aim to protect the world’s most vulnerable children.
(Domanda: ci crede qualcuno?)
The RBC Blue Water Garden
The RBC Blue Water Garden
Sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada
Designed by Prof Nigel Dunnett & The Landscape Agency
Built by Landform ConsultantsThe RBC Blue Water Garden is a modern and environmental interpretation of the traditional paradise garden; instead of formal rills and canals, excess rainwater is channelled and stored in bioswales, which form the garden’s central feature.
Planting is dramatic, naturalistic and exuberant in Nigel Dunnett’s characteristic style, and features huge swathes of Turk’s Cap lilies, growing as if in their natural habitat. The dramatic pavilion has been inspired by the architecture of the Puglia region in Italy.
The garden explores the concept of rainwater management by showing how sustainable concepts and biodiversity can form the basis for the design of even the most formal gardens.
Chissà cosa ispirerebbe la Calabria…
The M&G Garden by Andy Sturgeon
The M&G Garden
Sponsored by M&G Investment
Designed by Andy Sturgeon
Built by Creative Landscape Co.The M&G Garden is a new style of English garden that celebrates traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials.
Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the garden has a strong asymmetric quality. A series of formal paths and terraces combines with a water channel to create a succession of garden rooms. These are delineated by three monolithic walls and a linear bench that appears to float.
The garden features natural, rustic materials including copper, oak and Purbeck stone, shown in their raw beauty. The focal point is the energy wave sculpture, crafted from copper rings, that weaves through the garden.
The Homebase garden by Joe Swift
Homebase Teenage Cancer Trust Garden
Sponsored by Homebase
Designed by Joe Swift
Built by Willerby LandscapesThis garden has been inspired by the power of plants and natural forms in an urban and suburban environment. It is a dry, sustainable garden designed for exploration, revealing areas as you move through the space.
Four bold cedar wood frames create long views through the garden, whilst dividing the space into distinct yet visually-connected areas. Stone and wood are present in conventional garden features (stone paving, walling and seating), but are also used in more stylised features such as oversized horizontally-sliced boulders, a water feature and bespoke wooden sculptures to decorate and energise the design.
Commento: quando un rendering è brutto, non c’è niente da fare.
Arthritis Research UK Garden by Thomas Hoblyn
The Arthritis Research UK Garden
The Arthritis Research UK Garden
Sponsored by Arthritis Research UK
Designed by Thomas Hoblyn
Built by Bowles & Wyer ContractsThe Arthritis Research UK Garden has been inspired by the great Renaissance gardens of Italy, capturing the drama, formality and beauty of the historic gardens at Villa Lante and Villa d’Este.
The garden’s Renaissance theme was devised by Arthritis Research UK to symbolise its own ‘rebirth’ with a new brand and future goals as it marks its 75th anniversary.
Using water as a central theme, the garden incorporates three spectacular water features – a fountain seat, a water cascade and a still mirror pool – set amongst formal Mediterranean planting, with five majestic cypress trees providing a stunning backdrop.
Commento: io sto ancora aspettando i giardini per le sedie a rotelle: ma se non li chiedono le associazioni per l’artrite, chi dovrebbe farlo? quelli del caravan?
Laurent-Perrier Arne Maynard
The Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden
Sponsored by Laurent-Perrier
Designed by Arne Maynard
Built by Crocus.co.ukThe Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden is a timeless, ornamental gardener’s garden. Created by award-winning garden designer Arne Maynard, all the elements of the garden have been carefully handcrafted and are complemented by a soft planting scheme.
Inspired by Laurent-Perrier’s 200 year heritage of time-honoured methods and reputation for creating pioneering champagnes, the garden pays exacting attention to detail, combining traditional and contemporary elements to exude elegance through its planting and landscaping.
Commento: urca!Non vi siete pisciati di sotto?
Furzey Gardens Charitable Trust - Chris Beardshaw
Furzey Gardens
Sponsored by Furzey Gardens
Designed by Chris BeardshawChris Beardshaw returns to Chelsea in 2012 with a design to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Furzey Gardens in Hampshire and the achievements of its learning disability team.
Chris’ woodland design incorporates acid-loving species including rhododendrons, azaleas and primulas. Ericaceous plants and shrubs have fallen out of favour with designers at Chelsea in recent years, but Chris is using them to spectacular effect in this design.
Furzey Gardens Charitable Trust operates in conjunction with its sister charity, the Minstead Training Project, to provide a wide range of services for students with learning disabilities. The students are helping to grow plants for the show garden and assisting Chris in the garden build. This is the first time students with learning difficulties have been involved directly with a Chelsea garden.
Almeno è qualcosa.
Daily Telegraph- Sarah Price
The Telegraph Garden
Sponsored byThe Daily Telegraph
Designed by Sarah Price
Built by Crocus.co.ukThe Telegraph Garden evokes the beauty and romance of wild areas of the British countryside.
Perennials, rushes, grasses and meadow flowers grow around an intricate pattern of pools in Chilmark limestone. The copper details draw inspiration from the mineral-rich upland streams and rills of North Wales and Dartmoor.
A stepping-stone walkway leads across an expanse of water to a simple seating area on a group of boulders. At the rear of the garden a glade of tall, graceful, multi-stemmed birch trees frames the scene.
Trailfinders Australian Garden - Jason Hodges
Trailfinders Australian Garden presented by Fleming’s
Sponsored by Trailfinders & Fleming’s Nurseries
Designed by Jason Hodges
Built by A team of volunteer Australian landscapers captained by Scott WyndThe Trailfinders Australian Garden pays homage to Jason Hodges’s home town of Sydney. The garden has an unusual mix of native and sub-tropical plants co-existing with introduced trees and shrubs from Europe and beyond.
The garden makes reference to the city of Sydney and its iconic structures through the use of materials, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge which Jason saw each day as he grew up in the suburbs surrounding the harbour.
Corrugated iron brings a sense of rusticity, as this characteristic Australian material is used in housing, fences and shedding everywhere from suburban cities to the great Outback.
L'Occitane en Provence - Peter Dowle
The L’Occitane Immortelle Garden
Sponsored by L’Occitane en Provence
Designed by Peter Dowle
Built by Peter Dowle Plants & Gardens LtdThe L’Occitane Immortelle Garden recreates the Corsican maquis (Mediterranean vegetation) and brings it to life in the heart of Chelsea. L’Occitane has chosen this magnificent island to inspire their garden as it is the home of their award-winning skincare collection.
To recreate the wild landscape of the maquis, designer Peter Dowle has constructed an uphill rocky terrain framed by typical Corsican trees and plants. The bright yellow Immortelle flowers Helichrysum orientale provide the garden’s main focus. The design features an outdoor seating terrace, a small lagoon and a sandy beach footpath.
Per chi fosse interessato: Maquis.
Brewin Dolphin garden by Cleve West
The Brewin Dolphin Garden
Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin
Designed by Cleve West
Built by Steve SwattonThis garden celebrates the 250th anniversary of Brewin Dolphin and the continuing popularity of topiary in gardens of all sizes since the resurgence of this art in the 19th century.
The garden uses controlled structure, including beech hedging and yew topiary forms, that contrast with looser layers of herbaceous plants. The yew forms represent the history, stability and creativity of Brewin Dolphin and stand like sentinels among a tapestry of herbaceous plants. This create a sense of timelessness with a hint of mystery.
ma non è finita qui. Sembra che quest’anno il progettista Tim Richardson abbia in serbo qualche asso nella manica. Vedremo (in realtà, speriamo che le notizie ci arrivino…)
Nel frattempo vi metto due link: uno sulle installazioni ludiche para-Chelsea di Richardson e una sua interessantissima e lunga intervista.
E ora mi corico.
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