After the frantic and energetic build-up, Jill and Simon Foxley are finally taking a weekend off. We have shared the emotion of their Hampton Court Show build-up - now it is time to wind-down - Here is Jill's final blog of The Healing Garden.
What an amazing few weeks we have had at The Perfumed Garden. The Healing Garden was completed at the eleventh hour on the Sunday night before judging on Monday morning, writes Jill Foxley.
There were only a few glitches with the main one being when the copper guttering length was 40cm short - Coppa Gutta answered our call of despair and despatched the extra piece the very same day.
Everything seemed to be running smoothly but the planting, which took an eternity. So much of it and so detailed that we ran and I made a last minute dash to Jackson's at Chobham to fill the van to the brim.
As always seems to happen, the two star plants in the show were from the late plant run and therefore not included in the plant list, those being Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' and Agapanthus 'Nova Blue'. I would have liked a pound for every time we named them to the visitors.
Judging (or judgement?) was less tense than last year and we were told we would receive our 'medals' early this year at 4pm on Monday. As the clock ticked past that dreaded hour, I became aware that I had become so nervous I could barely breathe.
The whole atmosphere of D section was electric. With TV cameras recording every move, we were handed the medal that I thought was bronze for a split second. Unbelievably it was gold and there were tears from all at the team including the somewhat bewildered Macmillan contingent!
Gala night came and went in a blur of celebratory champagne and chats with all kinds of hitherto hallowed gardening celebrities as if we had known each other for years. "Gold!" - we were still unable to believe that the dream had come true. I never thought it possible and still am amazed that we did it.
Hoards of visitors streamed through the gates on the Tuesday and we began the endless chat about the garden. Radio interviews, TV, quotes for this and sound bites for that - it was another world and one that I think I could only do for a short spell. Thank goodness for the volunteers from Macmillan who helped us with leaflets and 'manning' the garden.
Only one prickly moment with a punter when I was told I shouldn't have plants in the garden so I 'could display the sculptures as works of art in their entirety'. My response? "This is Hampton Court Palace Flower Show not an art gallery" said in my best hoity-toity accent and I still stand by every word and wish I had the energy to add a bit more too!
Every day seemed busier than the last and Saturday saw the Director of Shows lurking around our gate. In a swift ad stealthy move he grabbed my wrist and marched me up the path, announcing to the assembled crowd that we had been awarded 'The People's Choice' award for the favourite small garden. Amazing and once again totally unexpected - I didn't even know such a thing was voted upon.
Then of course it was Sunday and the dreaded sell off at 4.30pm. My thanks go out to one particular member of the public who put her arm round a sobbing garden designer and told her that "It will be OK, you can do another garden next year", as the tears rolled down cheeks when the plants started being wrenched from their moorings!
Once that milestone was crossed there was no stopping us. All the plants were sold and cleared bar a handful and the place changed character in the space of hour.
Now it is all a memory - even more so as I mistakenly wiped a huge chunk of photos off my laptop - and the site cleared of any trace of the Healing Garden at all.
Many thanks to everyone that took the time to come to the show and especially those who introduced themselves to us - it was really good to meet you. Thank you too for your support and good wishes over the last few months, and those that took the time and trouble to vote for us.
The Healing Garden has been a truly positive experience and one that will stay with us all forever in the very best way. Hurrah!
Read Jill's Healing Garden blog.
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