Key Highlights
- Frances Tophill reveals a ‘banned’ plant used in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden.
- Sir David Beckham requested specific plants, including lavender, due to his beekeeping hobby.
- Lavender is banned from the RHS Chelsea because of potential viruses, with non-UK grown lavender being specifically prohibited.
Frances Tophill’s Curious Garden at The King’s Foundation
Frances Tophill, the renowned garden designer, has unveiled the secrets behind her Curious Garden at The King’s Foundation. In a candid interview on BBC One’s Chelsea Flower Show coverage, she shared that Sir David Beckham was ‘great to work with’ because he ‘asked for lots of specific plants.’ This collaboration brought some unexpected twists, particularly around the use of lavender.
The Lavender Conundrum
While many gardeners might dream of planting lavender, it’s not always that simple. Frances explained, “You’re not meant to bring lavender to the Chelsea Flower Show because of potential viruses.” This rule is strictly enforced, especially for non-UK grown varieties. Yet, Sir David Beckham’s dedication to his bees led him to request this fragrant herb.
“Non-UK-grown lavender is banned to prevent the spread of Xylella fastidiosa,” she continued. “The same applies to rosemary and almond plants.” These restrictions underscore the ongoing battle against plant diseases, which can devastate entire gardens if not managed carefully.
A Workaround for Lavender
To satisfy Sir David’s request while adhering to show rules, Frances had a clever solution. “We’ve got a lovely UK-grown English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).” This approach allowed the garden designer to create a harmonious blend of specific plants requested by her clients without compromising on health protocols.
Frances also highlighted other unique features of the Curious Garden, such as the pomegranate tree. “They’re not fully hardy, so I’m not sure even I could grow them at home, but I might just give it a go because I love them.” This statement reflects her passion for experimenting with different plants, even those that are challenging to cultivate in Britain.
A Collaborative Effort
Working alongside King Charles, Sir David Beckham, and Alan Titchmarsh added extra layers of responsibility. “I still need a bit of time for it to sink in,” she admitted. “I felt such a responsibility with this garden; I just didn’t want to let anybody down.” This sentiment echoes the high stakes of creating a memorable exhibit at one of the world’s most prestigious flower shows.
“It’s been such a lovely collaboration between the RHS and the King’s Foundation,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of these partnerships in fostering innovative and sustainable gardening practices.
