大象传媒

It鈥檚 no surprise to find that the Norwegian landscape provides the inspiration for Darren鈥檚 design. Using tones of coniferous forest and alpine planting with hints of mountains and water below, this is Norway at Chelsea.

The design demonstrates how the garden can be used throughout the changing seasons and epitomizes traditional outdoor living with a contemporary twist. A sleek central pavilion adapts to the changing elements; subtle lighting accentuates the night skies and there is a kitchen, daybed and shower in the structure to immerse the senses outdoors.

Naturally formed and shaped trees are a feature of the design, including 12m tall Pinus sylvestris trees which Darren thinks may be the largest trees ever at Chelsea. There is also a glade of umbrella shaped lilacs and some stunted Picea abies and Pinus mugo that look almost like giant Bonsai trees. These are contrasted with mixed alpines, grasses and Lilium martagon that give a haze of colour in the front of the garden.

Creative, yet subtle solutions for protecting the environment are intrinsic to the design. Sustainable alternatives, from the traditional use of tropical and treated hardwoods, are used for the decking and pavilion structure. While energy is derived from solar cells and bio ethanol burners.

鈥淒ecking is made from Kebony which is softwood treated with alcohol and sugar to behave like hardwood and it prevents the destruction of the rainforest for teak and other hardwoods,鈥� says Darren. 鈥淭he pavilion is more than a covered space and incorporates a pullout kitchen (in a drawer!), with walls that can be opened directly onto the garden. There鈥檚 a glass cube with bunk beds and a pull out folding double sun bed. I鈥檝e also designed the lighting so you can use it at night or turn it off and enjoy the moonlight through the glass roof.鈥�

What will happen to the garden after the show?

The Kebony garden is going to be re-built at Darren鈥檚 parents鈥� garden in Surrey, a little bit of Norway at home.