Eden Project at The Chelsea Flower Show 2010

The 'Places of Change' Show Garden was created by the Eden project in partnership with agencies representing marginalised groups of people such as the unemployed, the homeless and ex offenders. The aim was to offer opportunities to these groups to develop skills in the design, planning, construction and horticulture for the largest garden in Chelsea's history. This garden was set out in 5 themed zones.

Roderick James Architects LLP worked on the design which include a reclaimed timber 'spine' curling around the length of the garden. Our job at Carpenter Oak was to create a 3D model and detailed construction drawings for this timber 'spine'. These were then tried and tested at the Framing Yard before being handed over to groups of semi skilled trainee carpenters in centres around the country. The final and exciting task to construct the timber 'spine' on site in Chelsea under the careful supervision of a Carpenter Oak team led by Paul Slemmings. We also built and erected the Show Stand for this Garden.

The Places of Change Garden was a great success receiving very positive feedback from the public and press, and winning a silver medal . It was a privilege, indeed humbling, to be involved in this impressive non-profit project.