The Canary Islands were the inspiration for a themed garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, held from the 19th to 23rd May 2009. The garden was designed by Canarian David Cubero in conjunction with the Tourism Government for the Canary Islands. The aim behind the garden was to bring an insight of the Canary Islands to the UK, so that the high class of affluent visitors at the prestigious event, might consider booking their summer holiday on one of the islands.
The garden created by David reflected the natural beauty of the Canary Islands and some of our unique flora, it is described on the Royal Horticultural Society website as:
Inspired by the rugged volcanic peaks and bizarre endangered flora of the Canary Island archipelago, this garden invites visitors to rediscover the forgotten face of this remote island chain.
This thoroughly modern garden is designed to be set within the collapsed crater of an extinct island volcano. At its heart lies a moated pavilion, which houses a thermal spa fed by naturally-heated spring water that rises up from deep within the crater. Here rough, black volcanic rock flanks sheets of thermal water, all surrounded by lush exotic planting. Cascades at the rear of the pavilion create an open-air spa shower, with a mineral jacuzzi lying sunken within the moat.
Embracing local plants and materials, the garden aims to contrast hefty blocks of volcanic hard landscaping, with exuberant naturalistic vegetation - including several endangered island species that are found nowhere else on earth - to create an unashamedly escapist retreat as unexpected as the islands themselves.
You can vote online for the people’s choice of favourite garden, its only 2 clicks, and there is the opportunity to win tickets to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
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