A WONDERFUL WORLD OF COLOUR

Notcutts garden for the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show, called 'Colour Themes' is inspired by the colour wheel concept, showing foliage and flowering plants of contrasting colours, displayed together in small garden settings. Notcutts Landscapes Director, Jason Lock, has designed this years' exhibit, assisted by Chris Deakin. Jason has been responsible for the design and staging of Notcutts exhibits since 1998 and so has a great feel for what it takes to make an eye-catching display.

At the centre of the exhibit is a tall focal point in the shape of a large spiral, which brings a sense of movement into the colour sections that are subtly separated using trellis panels and arches, that clearly demark the space and frame the view to other areas. A cool grass path breaks up the festival of colour; trees add height and perspective, whilst also being themed into appropriate colours. Water is included through the use of contemporary-styled cascades, running out from the centre - these are interrupted with stepping stones, leading across the path into paved areas.

Some of the new plants that we will be displaying on our stand this year are:

Rose 'Abbeyfield Gold' - A beautiful medium yellow hybrid tea rose with very full 'quartered' flowers. Scented blooms are borne in profusion throughout the summer. It was named in celebration of the Abbeyfield Society's Golden Anniversary of providing shelter and care to the older population.

Rose 'Champagne Moment' Rose of the Year 2006 - This floribunda variety was selected for the elegant clusters of large blooms, which are a delicate apricot in the centre, fading to pale pink at the outside. This variety blooms all throughout the summer.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Sunshine' - A variety discovered by Peter Seabrook, the TV and Radio presenter, who having found the new plant, entrusted it to us to test it for suitability in the UK garden and to build up the numbers ready for launch. This variety is similar to 'Brilliantissimum' but holds it's colour for longer. It is slow-growing, making it an ideal plant for a container.

Coprosma repens 'Pacific Night' - This attractive shrub has glossy, deep purple foliage and grows to around 1.5m tall by 1.0m wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens. The Coprosma family are New Zealand natives and as such are considered hardy for most UK conditions. It contrasts well with spring flowers - a plant with all year round appeal. Ideal for containers or borders.

In addition to our plant launches, we are also using the opportunity that Chelsea presents, to help The Abbeyfield Society celebrate 50 years of serving the older population. Some details about The Abbeyfield Society are included in our Chelsea leaflet, available on our exhibit.