Sarah Eberle tells us all about her Psalm 23 Garden which portrays the theme of the passage; The Lord is my Shepherd. The garden has been developed for international charity Bible Society and seeks to inspire community and connection as the world begins to open up after lockdowns.
What are you most looking forward to at the show this year?
Just being back at Chelsea after 18 months is wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing gardens with their September colours and a different wardrobe of plants. That’s exciting.
Do you think the change to September will produce a different show and why?
The gardens will be different due to the move to September. We have become familiar with plants exhibited at Chelsea in May and we will all be seeing a different selection of fabulous plants for late summer and early autumn. I feel it will be exciting and interesting to see how people have risen to this challenge.
Is there one plant in particular that you are really excited about?
I have to say that my trees excite me most: hawthorn and hornbeam. These are multi-stemmed trees and have such a strong presence that they really help set the character of the garden.
How was your first ever Chelsea as an exhibitor?
It was extremely nerve-wracking. Chelsea is a very busy show during build-up and there is an established family of Chelsea exhibitors that you get to know. Coming in for the first time made me feel really excited and a great deal of trepidation too!
What’s your favourite Chelsea Show garden ever?
My favourite Chelsea garden is the one that I’m doing at that time. They are all my favourites and all so different, you can’t compare.
What’s your favourite Chelsea memory?
There are too many of good and less good memories to mention. But one day, they will be in my book! My best memories are the people I’m honoured to work with contractors, site staff and all those involved behind the scenes.
What makes Chelsea different?
Chelsea is the equivalent of London Fashion Week in the horticultural world. It is also the start of the social summer season. It is always a wonder that these gardens are built and finished within three weeks in the heart of West London.
For more visit biblesociety.org.uk
After the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Psalm 23 Garden will find a permanent home at Winchester Hospice, which is set to open later this year.