The M&G Garden by James Basson Wins Best In Show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017
- London, 22 May 2017, 11:30am: The M&G Garden by James Basson has won Best In Show at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- It is the first time the M&G Garden has won ‘Best in Show’ in M&G Investments’ eight years as title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- This is James Basson’s first ‘Best in Show’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He has previously won four Gold medals in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and a Silver Gilt in 2012
Following the earlier award of a Gold Medal, James Basson has also won Best in Show with the M&G Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017. This is the first time M&G, the international asset manager, and the first time James Basson, has won ‘Best in Show’ at Chelsea.
The M&G Garden this year has taken inspiration from the unique Mediterranean landscape of Malta; the design is based on the ecological diversity and sustainability of the region, which acts as a microcosm for the planet as a whole.
James structured the garden within a quarry, each with its own ecology, from coastal to woodland. Two imposing monolithic pillars of Maltese limestone form the centrepiece of the garden, with the remaining space separated into a series of unique microclimates.
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 and transport them to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The specific plants that are unique to Malta, and show off the incredible diversity of its ecologiesa are the Darniella melitense, Limonium melitense, Mattiola incana subsp. and the Melitense.
James Basson, M&G Garden designer says: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won ‘Best in Show’ for the first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It is an incredible feeling and a testimony to the hard work of the whole team, including Crocus and my wife Helen, and I am very grateful to M&G for its support.
2017 marks M&G’s eighth year as the title sponsor of RHS Chelsea and the Medal at the Show. M&G has been managing the money of individuals and institutions for more than 80 years.
Jacqui Haskins, Marketing Director at M&G Investments says: “We are absolutely delighted at winning Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show in M&G’s eighth year as title sponsor of the show and our first ever ‘Best in Show’. It is an incredibly gratifying feeling to have won this accolade for one of the boldest and most innovative designs we’ve ever had on an M&G Garden. It has been a great pleasure to work with James and Helen Basson this year – they have created a wonderful Mediterranean themed garden, inspired by the arid quarries of 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.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 23rd – 27th May 2017.
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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 active asset manager, investing on behalf of individuals and institutions for over 80 years. The firm managed over £246.1 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 1,900 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.