At a glance: Inspired by HIV medication’s molecular structure, the garden represents the journey of someone diagnosed with HIV
Manoj Malde’s previous two Chelsea gardens were memorable – the first, for its use of bright colour on the walls; and the second, because he actually got married on it at the show. His third design promises to be dramatic in a different way, with a powerful message about HIV stigma, and the bold colour coming, in an unusual move for him, from the planting.
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Sponsor ViiV, the healthcare company that launched the Tackle HIV campaign in partnership with the Terrence Higgins Trust and former rugby player Gareth Evans, first approached Manoj in his role as the RHS ambassador for diversity and inclusion to ask for advice about doing a Chelsea garden.
Thinking of a friend who had only recently revealed his HIV-positive status due to fears of stigma, Manoj soon agreed to create the design himself, with a garden that would embody the key messages of the Tackle HIV initiative and represent what living with HIV is like today.
I have butterflies in my tummy about getting the living walls right
The design is dominated by hexagonal shapes - in reference to the molecular structure of the medication for HIV. Two pathways create different routes through the space, because, says Manoj, “every person has a different journey with HIV”.
A pool of water bisects the garden and is crossed via a bridge. “There are no safety barriers on the bridge, because when you’re first told that you’re HIV positive, it’s quite a scary experience, and you don’t know what to do next. When you arrive at that bridge, it’s a stopping point where you think, what do I do?”
Beyond the pool lies the metal pergola structure with seating underneath, which provides a calm space to think. “You can go there for support, to talk, or just simply sit and be by yourself to ponder on your thoughts,” says Manoj. At the back of the garden is a water wall with living walls on either side.
Other notable features include elegant wire sculptures, a focal wall on one side with protruding 3D hexagon forms, and a bench etched with the key message ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’.
The uplifting planting palette features vibrant red pops of Eschscholzia californica ‘Red Chief’ amongst orange, yellow, pink and purple flowers, beneath the canopy of three multi-stemmed Zelkova serrata trees, chosen for their resilience.
The element keeping Manoj up at night in the run up to the show are the green walls. “I have butterflies in my tummy about getting the living walls right,” he admits. He hopes they will create a feel of lush, green enclosure, crucial to the garden’s atmosphere.
Designer Manoj Malde Sponsor ViiV Healthcare Contractor GK Wilson Landscape, JJH Landscapes Plants Deepdale Trees, Elveden Instant Hedging, Kelways Plants, New Wood Trees Relocating to Calthorpe Community Gardens, Kings Cross, London