RHS Chelsea Flower Show: No Man’s Land

It’s official, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show buzz has started and the big build up has commenced.  Yesterday was a hideous day of torrential rain so I have no doubt that everyone’s wading up to their knees in mud now.

The garden I’m most looking forward to seeing is No Man’s Land, designed by Charlotte Rowe for ABF The Soldier’s Charity to mark the centenary of World War I.

I guess I took an initial interest in this garden because my main contractor and friend, Ben Deighton, is part of the Outdoor Options team who are building the garden.

Yesterday I watched a video that has been put together about the inspiration behind the garden and it really touched me.  Charlotte’s grandfather served and survived the first day of the Battle of the Somme so this garden is also a personal journey for her.

My grandfather served in World War II and, like many who served with him, he never spoke of his experiences.  He was shot in the leg and evacuated. Tucked away safely upstairs I have the pieces of shrapnel that were removed when he got home. They remind me of happy times we spent with him and my grandma when we were children – a bit strange in a way…

We all know someone that has served their country, back then or more recently, so I think this garden will touch a lot of people.