A garden designed by Olivia Copley featuring some of my willow creations was awarded a Silver Gilt medal at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show and was shown on BBC Gardener's World.
Olivia's long border garden was designed to demonstrate the vital importance of front gardens to boost biodiversity, create green corridors and improve wellbeing. Olivia commissioned me to make some willow work for the garden, including a cat sculpture, archway feature and a pair of plant pot collars.
Olivia is only 21 years old, and is currently studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield. When Olivia approached me a few months ago to work on the garden with her, it felt like my past and present were meeting. Before becoming a full-time willow artist, I worked as a Landscape Architect, designing and managing public parks and gardens across the UK. Whilst I ultimately decided that the career wasn't for me, I'm truly grateful for all the skills and experiences it gave me, and in a roundabout way, it led me to what I'm doing today. I was delighted to be able to support a young and emerging landscape architect, and help Olivia fulfil her vision for her first RHS Show Garden (no doubt, there will be many more to come from her!).
The garden featured a reclaimed brick path, which led to my woven willow archway which was designed to look like a front doorway. Peeking through the open door was my willow cat sculpture, who seemed to attract lots of attention from visitors. Either side of the archway was a pair of willow plant pot collars which Olivia had filled with a beautiful planting display.
Olivia had done a brilliant job with the rest of the garden. The planting was very soft and free flowing - and many of the plants Olivia and her parents had grown themselves. The design included some lovely thoughtful details, including edible planting, a water trough and pollinator posts. The garden was awarded Silver Gilt, and was featured on BBC's Gardeners World. It was quite a surreal moment to see my work on TV, and to hear one of my gardening idols Frances Tophill complement Bob the willow cat!
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