- Themed Garden in 2003 – The Sir Hans Sloane Garden (Cadogan Estates) – GOLD
- Themed Garden in 2006 – The Costiera dei Fiori Garden (Regione Campania) – GOLD
- Show Garden in 2007 – The Fortnum & Mason Garden – GOLD
- Show Garden in 2008 – A Cadogan Garden – GOLD
2. How did you get into horticulture?
I did a Geography Degree at Cambridge University and then gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture at University of Central England.
I worked as a director at Elizabeth Banks Associates landscape architects from 1993 –2005 and launched Robert Myers Associates in 2006.
As a landscape architect, I have regular involvement in garden design work for a mixture of private, corporate and institutional clients ranging from small courtyard and roof gardens to extensive new gardens and parks of several acres, often within historic landscape settings.
3. What does Chelsea Flower Show mean to you?
Adrenalin, excitement, team working, mud and rain – and fun! It's slightly addictive and as this is my fourth year in a row, it has become something of a way of life.
4. What is your top tip for environmentally responsible gardening?
Don't waste resources and chemicals on trying to produce a perfect lawn if it's not really necessary. Grow something that doesn't need regular cutting, like Leptinella squallida, instead for small lawns with relatively light use, or let your lawn grow long and encourage flowers for additional wildlife value.
5. What do you think will be the next big thing in gardening?
It is likely that both ecological and economic concerns will encourage recycling and self-sufficiency. Growing fruit and vegetables, and gardens reflecting wildlife and biodiversity will therefore continue to be popular. Among all the doom and gloom, gardens to cheer and lift the spirit, such as the Cancer Research UK garden, will be a welcome relief.
6. What is the "must have" plant for 2009?
If only I knew! I suspect that it will be something bright and breezy as a counterpoint to all the green textures last year, to cheer us all up, perhaps.
7. If you buy one garden accessory this year, what should it be?
A really good, sharp pair of secateurs and a comfortable deckchair.
8. How are you preparing for the Chelsea Flower Show?
We are currently carrying out periodic visits to our contractor's nursery (Willerby Landscapes) to keep an eye on the plants and inspect various elements such as the pool and pre-fabricated walls, being put together.
We are also visiting the sculptor in Devon to review progress. Apart from that I am trying to ensure that I have done everything I need to in the office before I disappear off to the Chelsea showground during May.
9. What will be your biggest challenge in creating the Cancer Research UK garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show?
Trying to keep all the light-coloured paving and walls clean, particularly while we carry out the planting. We are going to great lengths to cover them up and protect them from dirt, but it always gets through. The weather is almost always a challenge – either too hot, too windy or too wet. Although having said that, last year it was just about perfect during the build-up.
Find out more about our garden
Read more about the design and the plants in our garden this year. |