Devon-based Atlantes Landscapes led by Paul Bentley has secured a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show along with talented local garden designers, Chris Hull and Sid Hill. It’s amazing to see how the local trio have joined forces to create a winning team.
This prestigious accolade at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show highlights the work of the two local designers and Atlantes Landscapes on a national scale. Not only is it a reflection on the hard work and innovative vision of the team, it is also significant moment of pride for Devon.
The winning project, a ‘Microbiome Garden,’ was a collaborative effort led by two celebrated garden designers, Chris Hull and Sid Hill, and constructed by the expert team at Atlantes Landscapes. The garden was commissioned by Bowel Research UK with funding from Project Giving Back, aiming to promote awareness of gut health and its connection to overall well-being.
Paul Bentley of Atlantes Landscapes comments on the win
“This is a fantastic result of several months of hard teamwork, and we are thankful for all those who supported us,” Paul Bentley said. “Congratulations to the designers who created a garden that makes us stop and reflect on how nature can influence our gut health and, consequently, the whole body.”
Innovative design reflecting gut health
The Microbiome Garden is a state-of-the-art representation of how a healthy environment can mirror a healthy gut. The garden’s design includes an edible meadow and sculpted walls that mimic the human gut’s membrane, highlighting the importance of good bacteria and nutrition. Denise Gomes, a director at Atlantes Landscapes, explained, “The garden expresses the importance of correct nutrition and developing the right kind of bacteria in your body based on what you eat.”
A Devon collaboration
The project brought together three Devon-based entities: GreenBrook Landscape Design, led by TV’s ‘Garden Rescue’ star Chris Hull; Sid Hill Ecological Gardens, renowned for creating food forests and edible meadows; and Atlantes Landscapes, spearheaded by Paul Bentley, a veteran in landscape construction with over 40 years of experience.
Challenges and logistics
The journey to the Chelsea Flower Show involved significant logistical challenges. The garden was initially constructed in Exeter and then transported to London, requiring meticulous coordination and the use of a large crane for the heavy sculpted walls. Denise Gomes remarked on the complexity of the task, noting the team had ten days to build the structure and an additional week to plant over 800 plants.
The award-winning Microbiome Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, designed by Chris Hull and Sid Hill, constructed by Atlantes Landscapes, and sponsored by Project Giving Back.
Recognition and future plans
For Paul Bentley of Atlantes Landscapes participating in the Chelsea Flower Show fulfilled a lifelong dream. “I’ve been in landscaping since I was 16, and some of the companies I’ve worked with have exhibited, but I personally didn’t get to go. So when this opportunity came up with Chris and Sid, we were all super excited,” Bentley shared.
Following the show, the garden will find a permanent home at the Apricot Centre in Dartington, continuing to serve as a beacon of education and inspiration for healthy living and environmental sustainability.
Community and legacy
The success of the Microbiome Garden is not just a personal triumph for those involved but a significant contribution to raising awareness about bowel health and the importance of rewilding and healthy eating. Paul Bentley emphasised, “It’s a massive joint achievement. We have a good rapport together, and it’s for a great cause. So many people suffer from bowel conditions, and we are pleased to play our part in helping Bowel Research UK create awareness about eating well and reconnecting with nature for good gut health.”
Celebrating Excellence
As the team celebrates this incredible victory, the Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show stands as a testament to their creativity, hard work, and commitment to making a difference. Their achievement brings pride to Devon and highlights the region’s contribution to the world of horticulture and garden design.
Also read: Introducing Devon Business Directory: a growing resource for local businesses
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