66th Consecutive Chelsea Gold

I am delighted to announce that we have been awarded our 66th Chelsea Gold Medal this morning. More later, but you can read the press release here

Tone up Trail

With the exhibit pretty much finished yesterday afternoon, we had some time to try out the exercise equipment. Here's my very first exercise video... I think I'll stick to the day job, and i'm sure you will agree. However being on the deck garden was a very pleasant experience and I must say I would enjoy having a space like this in my own garden. The M&M coolfit Pavilion is a wonderfully airy structure which gives the impression of protection without cutting blocking any of the vistas and you still feel very much part of the garden.



I think if I had an exercise space like this I would use it rather than going to the gym. Although you lose the social aspect of going to an exercise venue it is convenient, you can enjoy the open air and the changing seasons and there is so much to look at.

Finished...

Well I think so, it is nearly 4pm and I am sure that's almost it. The signage is being put in place, the edges are being repainted, and I just heard Steve assure Cindy, that "that is the last label". Press Day tomorrow, and judging, ready for the results on Tuesday morning. I would love to know what you think; what makes you feel good about the exhibit. Let me know..

Early Start..

Up and out early this morning, for some filming with the BBC on the exhibit; that went well, and we're now into the home stretch. Paul, the electrician has been working all night to complete the lighting that really highlights the plant material, with spotlights and uplighters.

Theres still lots to do this morning - sweeping and clearing the paths, finishing the lighting, and completing the final planting in a couple of areas.

The team have worked really well together and i think our team photo, taken yesterday, really does them justice.

Must get on, lots still do....

Feelgood Factor

The teams made excellent progress this afternoon. Nigel and Neil seem in relaxed mood as the exhibit really takes shape. These guys work flat out during initial construction and staging. As the staging teams take plants from around the exhibit there are trolleys to move and break down, materials to shift and the finishing touches to make to the hard landscaping. This needs plenty of discipline and organisation and Nigel and Neil make it happen.

Here are a couple of videos to keep you up to date with progress.

the Feelgood Factor Garden.

and "Core Values"

Indulgence...the finishing touches

The indulgence garden is complete, and to bring it to life all it needs is those little accessories that personalise any garden. If you like what you see log onto our online shop (http://www.hillieronline.co.uk/) and you will be able to buy (almost) everything you see in this video

Saturday lunchtime; unveiling the Golden Cypress

Jim Keelings Golden Cypress sculpture looks fantastic now its in place, and we unveiled it a few moments ago. As the wrapping came off the sculpture was transformed as the afternoon sun lights up the gold leaf.

We are now working on completing the planting around the monument and putting the finishing touches to the yellow planting under the lime avenue. There already seems to be plenty of media interest around the show; one of the storylines is highlighting the most extravagant displays at Chelsea.

With our magnificent golden centrepiece I think we may hold a winning card. At this stage the paving is still covered with polythene, bags of bark and plants that havn't found their way into the exhibit yet, but as soon as we finish filling all the gaps with bark, tucking in a few ivies and ferns around the edges, the polythene will come up and organic stone's salvation paving will see the light of day. I know that this is the moment when the exhibit really comes to life.

Without the clutter around and through the centre of the exhibit the finished product will look double the size and we will really be able to see the full effects of the planting. You can see some larger photos of the finished areas on our website here