CHAINED TO TECH Garden

commissioned by j. Parker's, This garden was designed TO ADDRESS THE impact on wellbeing that TECHNOLOGICAL ADDITION can have on YOUNG ADULTS

At RHS Tatton Park it won.

the Design

J.Parker's approached Rachel to design their first show garden in 20 years at RHS Tatton Park to highlight their work with mental health charities for their 90th birthday. The 'Chained to Tech' garden highlights one charity which helps young people with technological addiction amongst younger generations.

The garden addresses its increasing prevalence and its effect on wellbeing, supporting ongoing research between J. Parker's and Manchester Metropolitan University. The design draws inspiration from the physical components of technological devices. Polished brass strips provided by Liquidmetal, much like USB connectors, are used along the ground and as wall adornments. Rebar, abstractly presenting technological cables, can be seen on the arbour and fence line, while laser-cut panels mimic circuit board patterns.

The design also draws inspiration from the effects of technological addiction. A textual concrete finish, Shou-Sugi-Ban timber and corten effect steel were used to evoke a weathered and moody feel which represents the declining mental health of addicts.

Drought-tolerant, low maintenance plants have been included to represent the dry eyes caused by excessive screen use and the decrease in activity and self-care seen in addicted young adults. Furthermore, the garden is full of vibrant, bold colour, simulating the euphoric feeling and instant gratification using technological provides. Seating areas like the binary hanging chair provide by Dzome and the gabion full of salvaged technological equipment, are provided for young adults to digitally detox, create new connections with horticulture and encourage face-to-face interactions.

PLANTING List

TREES

Cordyline Australis

Punica Granatum

Trachycarpus fortunei

SHRUBS

Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’

Stachys byzantine

Phormium 'Platt's Black'

Pittosporum tobira

CLIMBERS

Trachelospermum Jasminoides

Vitis

FERNS

Dryopteris Erythrosora

Dryopteris Felix Mas

Polystichum setiferum

GRASSES

Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'

Stipa tenuissima

HERBACEOUS

Achillea 'Terracotta'

Agapanthus 'Black Jack'

Agastache 'Black Adder'

Allium 'Atropurpureum'

Allium 'Pulchellum'

Catananche major

Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’

Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising’ Coreopsis 'Limerock Dream’

Crocosmia 'Emily Mckenzie'

Cynara cardunculus

Dahlia collarette

Eremurus

Echinacea 'Red Skipper'

Foeniculum vulgare

Hemerocallis 'Frans Hal'

Huchera

Kniphofia 'Alcazar'

Salvia nemorosa

Scabiosa ochroleuca yellow

Pachysandra terminalis

Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

LEGACY

After the show, the garden was donated by J.Parker's and re-built close to the student union at The Manchester Metropolitan University. It has been part of the psychology departments research into how green space can improve wellbeing and productivity.

a big thank you

Creating a show garden is a team effort and I am delighted to have such a fantastic one behind me.

The team at J.Parker's

Contractor: Everest Garden Landscapes

Consultant: Gareth Wilson

The following companies, worked in partnership with Parker's to provide items for the show garden

Photos supplied by Julie Skelton