Chelsea Flower Show 2018: Matt Keightley’s tips for creating a relaxing garden  

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show showcases the very best in gardening. From champion trees and streamside planting to wildflower meadows, there is something for every visitor to enjoy. This year, the prestigious event focuses on health and wellbeing, and the importance of gardening in an increasingly urbanised world.

With this in mind, Matt Keightley, who designed the show’s Feel Good Garden, has offered his top tips for creating your own relaxing space.

Use cool-toned colours

Shades of blue, pink and purple have been found to have a calming and relaxing effect on one’s state of mind, so incorporate these colours into your garden planting.

Don’t just grow ornamentals

Aromatic plants and everyday herbs not only look attractive but will provide a wonderful scent. Why not try Matt’s favourite plant rosemary?

Maximise texture

Grow a variety of different plants. Evergreen structural planting, grasses and perennials are all great choices as they offer colour and a variety of textures throughout the year. Grasses especially offer lovely movement and help attract wildlife. Think about texture in your hard landscaping too.

Encourage wildlife

Birds, bees and other garden wildlife will put a smile on your face as soon as you see them. Encourage them into your garden with plants for pollinators and a water supply for them to bathe in and drink.

Create an interesting route

Build a meandering path through your garden. Use different materials to encourage you to stop focusing on the mind and pay attention to where you’re going. Add points along the way that encourage you to linger.

Draw the eye into the garden

Create something so beautiful that it breaks a thought process. Rather than thinking about the everyday stresses or what anxiety you have, by creating something beautiful to look at, you’ll be encouraged to forget about your problems and focus on the garden.

Rebekah Absalom

RHS Chelsea Flower show runs from 22^nd – 26^th May 2018. For further information visit here.