At a glance: A naturalistic, but functional productive garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show with unusual wild and cultivated climate-resilient edibles and ornamentals
Designed to demonstrate the possibilities of a working smallholding, The Garden of the Future showcases innovative solutions to cope with climate change. A semi-intensive green roof, rainwater harvesting and solar panels feature alongside climate-resilient crops and a foraging hedge to highlight the importance of science and nature working together.
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However, the designers reveal that the science rooted in this design is a challenge, as it requires detailed input from global experts, ‘filtering down all the knowledge and experience into a garden that will showcase their work in a clear and beautiful way is a big responsibility, but we’re really excited to be highlighting these innovations to a public audience through the garden.’
Two large hawthorn trees stand guard at the entrance. Chosen for their connection to British folklore and early spring growth, they set the scene for what is a practical and functional, yet naturalistic and informal garden.
To the right of this entryway, a path leads to a rammed earth building, named The Hub which will showcase some of the groundbreaking innovations from partners of the Gates Foundation.
To the left, companion planting with varieties such as purple sage and chamomile grow alongside edible plants such as chickpeas, millet and sweet potato that aren’t typically grown in the UK now, but they could become more commonplace in the future.
If you can spot it in the rammed earth building in the far corner of the garden - a toilet (surely a first at Chelsea). Not just any toilet - this is a Cranfield Circular Toilet, a compact and self-contained toilet system that converts waste water into clean (but not potable) water for irrigation, and produces pathogen-free biochar (or 'humanure') for garden use. You can even compare lettuces grown in the biochar and in ordinary potting compost.
Designers Matthew Butler and Joshua Parker Sponsor Gates Foundation Contractor Acacia Gardens Plants Kelways Plants Jon Wheatley, Deepdale Trees Furniture Bench crafted by Fallen & Felled Craftspeople Jay Davies, Fallen & Felled Garden will be relocated to The Energy Garden, London