The Chelsea Flower Show has once again stolen our hearts, but this time it's not just about the blooming flowers – it's about a new home for an award-winning garden that's been given a second chance at life. The 'On the Edge' garden, designed by the illustrious Sarah Eberle MBE, is now proudly taking up residence at the Grade II listed Park Hill Flats in Sheffield, and we can't get enough of it!
The garden is currently undergoing reassembly within the grounds of this iconic brutalist apartment complex, which has a rich history dating back to 1961. But don't let its age fool you – this place has been revitalised by Urban Splash, giving it a new lease on life. Eberle, who's got an impressive 20 gold medals under her belt from RHS shows, is over the moon with Gaia's new surroundings, saying it feels like she's finally 'come home'. And why not? The sculpture, encircled by hedges, trees, and wildflowers, looks every bit as stunning as it did at Chelsea.
The mastermind behind Gaia – Newport-based artist Chris Wood – used 20-odd chainsaws to meticulously carve this wooden wonder. Parts of the wood came from far and wide, including an arboretum in Abergavenny, Oxford, and Cheltenham. And let's just say it was a hit at Chelsea: people were reportedly moved to tears by its presence.
But relocating Gaia hasn't been without its challenges – putting the 200 numbered pieces back together has been no easy feat! Wood explained that it's like trying to solve a massive puzzle, but residents of Park Hill have been singing Gaia's praises from the get-go. Johann Nagel, who's lived in the flats for seven years and is part of the garden group, reckons it's 'the arrival of a new member of the family', and that they'll be taking good care of her – including oiling her four times a year as recommended by the sculptor.
This is just one example of RHS Chelsea gardens being relocated to benefit communities. Another initiative is underway in Rotherham, where the Asthma + Lung UK's Breathing Space Garden has found a new home at BreathingSpace. This garden won silver at Chelsea last year and incorporates features like pine trees, accessible paths, and sheltered areas designed for breath-supporting therapies like yoga and tai chi.