Philip Smith at Chelsea Flower Show 2006
In May 2006, the 100% Pure Tourism New Zealand garden on the Main Avenue at the Chelsea Flower Show received a Silver Gilt medal. Philip Smith, of O2 Landscapes, worked in collaboration with James Fraser, of Avant Gardener, London, as plantsman for the display. The garden (designed by Xanthe White) was inspired by the landscape of Auckland's West Coast (specifically Karekare) and New Zealand's coastline in general. Philip's involvement was chiefly in providing ecological and botanical expertise in composing the planting design during planning phases and at Chelsea Flower Show, and co-ordinating the growing-on of material to Chelsea Flower Show standard (including the organisation of export of New Zealand plants to Britain from New Zealand). The display contained 100% New Zealand plants (almost exclusively coastal), including many endangered and unusual species.
For a more in-depth description of the process of getting ready for Chelsea Flower Show, have a look at the section on the Chelsea garden within the portfolio section of the website.
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