‘Memories of Service’ RAF100 Centenary Garden wins GOLD at RHS Spring Festival Malvern 2018.

We are very proud and excited to announce that our show garden ‘Memories of Service’ supporting the RAF100 Appeal won a coveted RHS Gold medal.

The show garden a celebration of the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918 features references to the heritage of the RAF whilst also looking to the future.

We are extremely honoured that the garden will remain as a permanent tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the RAF and would like to thank the Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Royal Horticultural Society for their tremendous support.

About the Garden

The garden ‘Memories of Service’ is informed by garden’s designer Martyn Wilson and his own and four generations of his families service in the RAF. But also by the comradeship, friendship and memories that means so much to all who have served in the RAF and featured on BBC 2 Gardeners’ World.

The garden is entered by steel gates laser cut with the words RAF100 to commemorate this significant milestone in the RAF’s proud history.

Surrounded on four sides by hedging two sides will include Corten steel panels, laser cut with different periods reflecting the RAF’s proud history whilst also looking to the future.

The garden is crossed by four elliptical pathways which are informed by the shape of a four bladed propeller. The pathways arrive at a rounded central seating area, a space for reflection and discussion which will feature a central sculpture formed from aircraft parts.

A mixture of topiary shaped balls will be a reference to radar and the so called ‘Golf Balls” at RAF Fylingdales and nearby at the former RAF Defford, Worcestershire a home of early radar research.

White barked Birch trees reflect peace whilst also referencing the birch ply of early aviation and air frames.

Perennial planting will reflect the ‘colours’ of the RAF dress and tie but also evoke the billowing nature of clouds and vapour trails.

Martyn Wilson and the RAF

Martyn Wilson is a multi-award winning garden designer based in Worcester most recently winning a coveted gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2017.

He started his show garden career by designing and building his first show garden to support the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund in 2014 winning an RHS silver medal.

Martyn joined the RAF in 1988 as a Supplier with tours at RAF Brize Norton, RAF Bruggen (Germany), RAF Odiham and detachments to the Royal Tournament, London and on NATO peacekeeping to Palermo, Sicily.

Martyn is one of four generations of his family who have served in the RAF including his grandfather and father. His brother and sister-in-law are both currently serving and are stationed at RAF Brize Norton.

So as you might imagine these celebrations are of great personal significance to Martyn, his family, friends and former colleagues.