Adam Frost

First, I think I should thank my wife for booking this break, which at the time caused a row. Me being stupid, obviously …’we can’t go away at this time of year, I’m too busy - are you mad,’ I seem to remember ranting. Anyway, she was right – it’s just want we needed.

Chelsea was a bit like an endurance test. We didn’t get off to the best of starts when, on day 2, Richard, who runs New Ground Landscapes, got run over by a forklift – not good! He broke his foot and dislocated his ankle (don’t worry, he’s on the mend and will be back. We can’t get rid of him that easily). Anyway, back to Chelsea; Richard was meant to be running the build and acting as first point of contact, so I said to my wife at the end of April, I’ll get the boys set up on site and will be back in a few days. I ended up being there for 24 days - hey ho, that’s the way it goes sometimes and on reflection, it was great. Over the last few years I have not spent a lot of time working on site with the lads but it made me realise I miss it. Thanks boys for all the hard work. You were top class!

Our industry is full of characters and you catch up with them all at the show, although I found the atmosphere a little strange in the first 10 days. Not as mad as previous years, it was still great. If I’m honest, I probably enjoy the build more than I do the show. Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting and talking to people about the gardens, but I do think Chelsea just gets a little too wrapped up in itself. What’s the colour for this year, or the next big thing? And then there are the garden critics talking about the good, bad and indifferent. Does it really matter? Hasn’t every garden got merit? I believe everyone and anyone should enjoy gardens and maybe critics should remember they are trampling on people’s souls when their comments are negative. What is good or bad - do we really know? Maybe I just don’t get it. Anyway, that’s just how I feel. If you did see our garden it will help you understand why I design what I do.

I believe gardens should be enjoyed with good company – a bit like food and wine really. I hope my gardens are seen as relaxed and simple but with a real sense of soul. When I am designing, it has to be for people. For me, that’s what gardens are about. They are not just for working, relaxing or whatever it is you enjoy doing in them. They hold other values too – environmental, social and, of course, cultural. Think about it, the English are know around the world for their gardens and they are important to us.

Maybe I’m just rambling but it’s good to get it out and this Rioja is good ..bye for now!