Taking centre stage at the Bullring Gate Entrance at Chelsea this year, JamJar Flowers have captured the theme of pollination and preservation. The display will feature late summer flowers and intricate handmade bug hotels. Encompassing a creative use of floristry techniques and planting techniques to create this vibrant display that pays homage to the concept of a thriving ecosystem. The project follows on from the success of their 2019 installation on the London Gate, made in celebration of London’s bees.
Their work has been supported by Thyme, the historic manor and farm, in Gloucestershire where their exhibition was on display during the summer. Thyme has great significance for JamJar Flowers founder, Melissa Richardson, who discovered inspiration amongst the native wildflower species, pollinators and migratory birds. She sought to base the ‘Nature of Thyme’ designs on this concept of a fascinating ecosystem in action.
(from left) Camilla Hibbert, Caryn Hibbert from Thyme, Melissa Richardson from JamJar Flowers at the Bull Ring Gate, RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Photographer Rona Wheeldon
Behind the marvellous exhibition, Melissa has collaborated with Daisy Garnett, a journalist and keen amateur gardener. The flowers for the gate and roundabout have been grown in Melissa’s and Daisy’s gardens in Brixton. Model maker Leila Watts has designed the beautiful bug hotels and insect sculptures, which will feature next to yellow Thunbergia standing sentinel around a central birch and willow construction on the roundabout, with Miscanthus sinensis,Oenothera lindheimeri, echinaceas, Helianthemum, Verbena bonariensis, Helenium, Japanese anemones, Cosmos, Helichrysum and Rhodanthemum.
Meanwhile, the main gate will house many bug hotels and planters filled with brightly coloured coreopsis, nasturtiums and chocolate cosmos hanging out of planters designed to attract passing pollinators.
This theme is exhibited in three spaces; the Bull Ring Gate, the Southern Plot and the Roundabout in front of the gates. Melissa and Daisy seek to inspire people to create their very own pollinator patch, and wanted the design to be vibrant and fun. Afterall, every green space, no matter how large or small, plays a vital part in contributing to the regeneration of lost fauna and flora in the UK. If you are at Chelsea Flower Show this week, be sure to make time to visit these exciting displays!
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