Kew's garden at Chelsea is revealed

Kew's garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2011 showcases the significance of plants to science and society, through an eye-catching and innovative design by Chelsea gold medallist Marcus Barnett. See more photos of the garden on Kew's Flickr page and tell us what you think!

24 May 2011

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Kew's Garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2011

Marcus Barnett drew inspiration for this modern garden from plant cell structure. The plant species chosen for the garden demonstrate both beauty and utility.

As the design evolved, I continued to learn more about plants than on any previous project. The inroads we are making into plant science is equally fascinating.

Marcus Barnett, garden designer and Chelsea gold medallist.

About the design

Kew worked in partnership with The Times to create this Silver Flora award winning garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011. The plant species chosen for the garden demonstrate both beauty and utility, including medicinal, commercial and industrial uses, to underline the fact that plants are essential to our everyday lives – without them, none of us could live on this planet. They produce our food, clothing and the air that we breathe.

Marcus Barnett drew inspiration for this modern garden from plant cell structure. The central pavilion provides a contemporary and light space, serving as a destination from which to view the garden. Inspired by leaf capillaries, the structure radiates along the ground and, in places, rises up the boundary hedging, helping to demonstrate the link between plants and materials. The boundary walls also provide seclusion and act as a counterpoint and backdrop to the trees.

See more photos of the garden on Kew's Flickr page | Find out more about the plants

Introducing the plants

Detail of the plants in Kew's garden
Find out more about the featured plants.

The plant species featured in Kew's garden have been chosen according to their contribution to society. These include foxgloves (including Digitalis purpurea albiflora), which can be used in the treatment of cardiac disease, and geraniums, often used as a diuretic and to treat kidney complaints - their leaves can also be used as mosquito repellent. Other plants that inspired the design include the culinary herbs rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and oregano (Origanum vulgare), and roses, commonly used by the cosmetics industry and by drinks manufacturers.

Tell us what you think

Whether you're visiting Chelsea Flower Show 2011, or you've seen photos of Kew's garden online or in the papers, why not tell us what you think by posting a review on twitter using #KewAtChelsea, or by adding a comment below, or by visiting our Facebook page. We'd love to hear what you think.

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