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Renowned British garden designer Jo Thompson has announced that this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be her final appearance. With a prestigious background that includes nine main avenue show gardens and multiple accolades—five of which are gold medals along with the esteemed People’s Choice Award at the inaugural RHS Chatsworth Show—it’s understandable why she feels it’s time to step back.
Thompson has earned a reputation for crafting stunning, immersive gardens that have garnered her significant acclaim in the gardening world. Her projects span from private estates in the U.K. to landscapes in various parts of Europe and even as far as New York and Brazil. Currently, she is engaged in creating landscapes for Corpus Christi College, RHS Rosemoor, and the garden and arboretum at Saling Hall, a project commissioned by wine author Hugh Johnson. Her private projects are featured in her latest publication, The New Romantic Garden.
In her designs, Thompson emphasizes not only aesthetic appeal but also sustainability. Her approach incorporates organic practices, regional materials, and a preference for biodiversity and climate-appropriate plants. Importantly, she does not adhere strictly to the use of native species; she advocates for the inclusion of roses in every garden, a sentiment she elaborates on in the insights shared below.
In 2021, Thompson launched what is believed to be the first gardening-related Substack, titled The Gardening Mind. This platform has grown beyond a typical newsletter, encompassing online courses, webinars, group discussions, and in-person gatherings, with some readers even volunteering to assist with her show gardens. Here, Thompson shares her thoughts on gardening:
Your first garden memory:
One day, I was invited by an elderly neighbor to explore her garden. I wandered through narrow pathways surrounded by countless bumps and mounds, showcasing clusters of diverse plants. To my youthful imagination, this was a fairy garden—enchanting and whimsically disordered yet entirely valid in its existence. Reflecting on it now, I realize it was a gravel garden with drought-resistant plants woven through gently curving paths.
Garden-related book you return to time and again:
The Making of an English Country Garden by Deborah Kellaway is a cherished read, even though it’s no longer in print. The book captures an authentic and engaging narrative that combines storytelling with insightful gardening wisdom. I recommend trying to find a copy; it has a novel-like quality that entices you through its pages. From illustrated maps to plant lists and discussions about roses, the writing evokes a sense of deep affection for the plants, much like a nurturing parent sparking joy in their sometimes-wayward children. This book was pivotal for my gardening journey, serving as the catalyst for my career.
Instagram account that inspires you:
Nowadays, I rely more on Substack rather than Instagram. India Knight’s ‘Home’ captivates me with its intelligent and joyful approach to content.
Describe three words that characterize your garden aesthetic:
I would describe it as inevitable, romantic, and gentle.
Plant that makes you swoon:
Fritillaria meleagris captivates me with its delicate checkerboard pattern. Its elegance in the spring never fails to bring me joy, and I am compelled to document its beauty daily from the budding phase to its spectacular conclusion. This charming bulb thrives in long grasses or placed in containers with ferns, enhancing any garden with its exquisite presence.
Plant that makes you want to run the other way:
This varies based on the location, but in the U.K., my aversion is directed towards Phormium and bamboo. These plants feel out of place in the British landscape, though they showcase stunning beauty in their native regions.
Favorite go-to plant:
My go-to plant varies with my mood and the specific theme of a garden, but I always strive for selections that reflect resilience and grace.
Source
www.gardenista.com