Cumbria University's bid for Chelsea Glory...

Posted on 18 Feb 2009

NEWTON Rigg horticultural experts can’t guarantee a rainbow but hopes are sky-high that their Pottering in North Cumbria garden design will catch the judges’ eyes in this year’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.



“It’s a fantastic, evocative design capturing the magic of traditional courtyard gardens in a beautiful part of the world,” explained Vera Turnbull, lecturer in horticulture at Newton Rigg.

Together with fellow academics, technicians and students, Vera was thrilled when the University of Cumbria design was accepted by the Royal Horticultural Society to compete for a gold medal in the show’s Courtyard Garden category.

A £3,000 sponsorship package by Penrith-based Cumbrian Homes has enabled Newton Rigg designers to source the best materials from all over Cumbria.

“We are delighted to be able to support the University of Cumbria’s horticultural experts,” said Nigel Pallister, managing director of Cumbrian Homes.

“In much the same way that a sympathetically designed and well-built house creates a home with its own special ambience, a creative garden helps to complete the feeling of domestic well-being.”

Four mature horticulture students are integral to the project - Margaret Archibald of Colby Lane, Appleby; Coralin Pearson, of Newton Arlosh; Rae McNab of Moorville Drive South, Carlisle and Val Donnelly of Barnard Castle.

“This is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which has blossomed from our really good relationships with one another,” said Coralin.

“We bounce ideas off each other which has got us through seven months of hard work so far!”

Shelagh Todd, senior lecturer in horticulture at the Newton Rigg Campus, revealed that old beams, reclaimed bricks, weathered corrugated roofing and a specially-commissioned pot by the internationally renowned John Stroomer will feature in the design.

“We have also selected non-acidic loving plants and flowers to accurately reflect the soil conditions in the north of the county,” she said.

“We are all extremely grateful to Cumbrian Homes for their sponsorship and look forward to working closely with them over the years ahead.”

Eunice Simmons, the University of Cumbria’s Dean of the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, spoke of her professional and personal pride on hearing of the Newton Rigg Campus entry.

“I am thrilled for the University of Cumbria because it is beginning to make a real name for itself across all kinds of academic disciplines,” she said.

“I am also personally delighted for the staff and students because I know how much hard work and effort goes into bringing this kind of project to fruition.”

Horticultural experts from the Newton Rigg Campus have won several garden design awards down the years in assorted competitions but this is the first time an entry has been accepted into the Chelsea Flower Show which runs from May 19 to 23.

Stunning garden designs - many by leading garden designers - as well as appearances by members of the Royal Family and leading celebrities help to make this THE event in the gardening calendar.