The M&G Garden by James Basson Wins Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017

London, 23 May 2017.

  • The M&G Garden by James Basson has been awarded a prestigious RHS gold medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show
  • This is M&G Investments’ sixth gold medal, in eight years as title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
  • This is James Basson’s fourth gold medal at Chelsea. He previously won gold medals in 2013, 2014 and 2016.

 

James Basson has won a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017 for M&G, the international asset manager. This is James’ fourth gold medal at Chelsea.

The M&G Garden this year has taken inspiration from the unique landscape and arid climate of Malta. Set within a limestone quarry, James’s design reflects the ecological diversity of the Mediterranean island with different zones, from coastal clifftop to shrubland and woodland. Two imposing monolithic pillars of Maltese limestone form the centrepiece of the garden.

Each space reflects on how nature has adapted to reclaim a man-made landscape, using a naturalistic planting style, which provides texture and structure. From grasses, heathers and evergreens, the design bears all the hallmarks of a traditional Mediterranean garden, but with an innovative edge. This is the first time some of these plants have been seen in the UK, thanks to the Maltese government giving James special permission to use them.

There were some specific plants that are unique to Malta, showing off the incredible diversity of its ecologiesa, including: Darniella melitense, Limonium melitense, Mattiola incana subsp. Melitense.

James Basson says: “I am really thrilled to have won a gold medal. It is a great honour to be have chosen among such gifted designers at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I give my thanks to my fantastic team, to Crocus and the Gaia foundation in Malta and of course to M&G for making this all possible. Its sponsorship of the Show over many years has made a real difference to horticulture.”

2017 marks M&G’s eighth year as the title sponsor of RHS Chelsea Flower Show. M&G has helping people to prosper by putting their savings to work for more than 80 years.

Jacqui Haskins, Marketing Director at M&G says: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show this year - it is an incredibly gratifying feeling. M&G Investments has produced eight gardens since our sponsorship of the Show began and it has been a great pleasure to work with James and Helen Basson this year for our first “Best in Show” award-winning garden. James has created a wonderful Mediterranean themed garden sourcing rare flowers and plants all the way from Malta. Some of these plants were never seen before in the UK. This win is a tribute to James and Helen, Crocus and all those involved, to their incredibly hard work and dedication.”

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 23rd – 27th May 2017.

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Twitter: @MandGGarden

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About James Basson

Working in the South of France for over 16 years James Basson, B.A. Hons Garden Design, MSGD, and Scape Design have established a reputation for creating low maintenance, dry gardens that mix contemporary design with traditional skills.

Creating timeless sustainable landscapes that are sympathetic to the natural environment, using young plants that are compatible with the native climate and soil, requiring little maintenance.

About RHS

As the world’s leading gardening charity, we help to bring gardening into people’s lives and support gardeners of all levels and abilities; whether they are expert horticulturists, beginners, or children who are planting seeds for the very first time. Gardening improves the quality of life and the RHS believes everyone should have access to great horticultural experiences.

RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

 

About M&G

M&G is an international asset manager, investing on behalf of individual and institutional clients for over 80 years. The firm managed over £265 billion of assets through a wide range of investment strategies across equities, fixed income, real estate and multi asset.

Headquartered in London, M&G employs over 2,000 people worldwide operating from offices across Europe and Asia.

M&G is the investment arm of Prudential Plc in the UK and Europe.

For more information on M&G Investments, please visit www.mandg.co.uk

 

This press release reflects the authors’ present opinions reflecting current market conditions, which are subject to change without notice and involve a number of assumptions, which may not prove valid. It has been written for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information given in this document has been obtained from, or based upon, sources believed by us to be reliable and accurate although M&G does not accept liability for the accuracy of the contents. M&G does not offer investment advice or make recommendations regarding investments. Opinions are subject to change without notice. M&G Investments is a business name of M&G Investment Management Limited and is used by other companies within the Prudential Group. M&G Investment Management Limited is registered in England and Wales under number 936683 with its registered office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. M&G Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.