Ulf Nordfjell's, Laurent Perrier Garden, Chelsea Flower Show 2013

Published
05/24/2013 by Keith Fletcher

Ulf Nordfjell was a returning designer to this years Chelsa. In his Laurent-Perrier garden he combines the classic style of French and English gardens. Ulf describes his garden as having a contemporary take on a romantic garden. Modern minimalism with a touch of romance.

The garden is inspired by the work by of Nicole de Vésian's famous garden La Louve in Provence  and Ulla Molin's private garden in Höganäs, Sweden. Both Nicole and Ulla were renowned for modernising horticulture in their respective countries.

Ulf has emulated their approach but with a more symmetrical design. The composition, materials, trees and shrubs demonstrate a French style of landscaping, influenced by the terroirs of the Champagne region, while paying homage to its Chelsea setting by using perennials commonly found in English gardens.

Materials
Ulf has chosen simple materials for the garden
stone, wood and metal.

Plants
Perennials: soft pinks and blues as well as creamy oranges, yellows and whites.

Plants used in the garden include

  • Cypress Oak (Quercus fastigiata 'Koster') used in espalier forms, as a backdrop and 
  • Well shaped shrubs (Taxus baccata and Enkiathus perulatus) and lavender, both clipped and unclipped to provide a light geometry that contrasts with elegant Gleditsia trees. Perennials 
  • Viola, Diantus, Stipa and Verbascum and all plants and materials have been sustainably sourced.

Style
Combines architecture with horticulture
Chosen plants that will thrive in the English climate and add beauty across the seasons.

The Statue
A bronze sculpture of Orpheus, Greek Mythology
The major stories about him are centered on his ability to charm all living things and even stones with his music

The statue is separated by a lower travetine wall, which separates two levels, the garden features pergola arches on the terrace to create a focal point and, as if springing from an underground source, the designer uses a rectangular pool, resembling that in La Louve, as a stream of water gushes in.


Ulfs Nordfjell Background
Ulf Nordfjell is based in Stockholm He uses modern designs inspired by Swedish nature.
Two previous gardens for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, winning gold on both occasions as well as Best in Show in 2009.

his work:

  • internationally recognised landscape architect
  • He has worked on many projects transforming city parks into spaces of beauty. 
  • Combining Architecture with Planting

 

Garden Sponsor
Laurent-Perrier is the garden sponsor and has been at the show 15 years 
Laurent-Perrier was enjoyed by many of the celebrities and VIP's who visited the garden

David Hesketh, UK Managing Director of Laurent-Perrier, commented: "The inspiration for this year’s garden is highly apt, reflecting our French heritage and long term relationship with the Chelsea Flower Show. Ulf's design captures the essence of Laurent-Perrier – lightness, freshness and elegance – I’m excited to see the finished result."

Crocus.co.uk
Most of the plants used in the garden will be available to purchase on-line from crocus.co.uk
They have previously won 12 of their 20 Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals with Laurent-Perrier. Crocus have put together a blog on the garden.

What happen to the garden after Chelsea?
Trees and bushes are on loan and the sculpture and urn will be sold at Sothebys afterwards and all the rest of the garden will be recycled after the show.

Listen to the interview:

Ulf Nordfjell talks about his gold winning Chelsea Garden that uses Minimalism with a touch of romance. He also discusses how public spaces can be used and improved for the future.