Chelsea Flower Show 2019

Tom Raffield Force of Nature Garden Stand, Main Avenue, Chelsea Flower Show. © Tom Raffield Ltd 2019.

Five-star trade stand winner, Tom Raffield, returns to Chelsea Flower Show Main Avenue with an innovative new collection of flowing steam bent planters and screens which take centre stage in a new unique, architectural stand focused on well-being, biophilic design and zero waste.

The striking courtyard-esque space showcases the brand’s ground-breaking new design process which combines their traditional steam bending technique with complex parametric modelling to create the eye-catching biomorphic architecture and planters. Central to the design, these organic 3D oak forms are functional pieces of art that sit amongst the planting, simulating the natural features and enriching the sensory experience. Inside, a curated space of iconic Tom Raffield steam bent products will complement the breath-taking concept.

Designed and handcrafted in Cornwall, the new outdoor pieces mark the launch of Tom Raffield’s bespoke services which will pioneer new ways to incorporate their signature curved style into projects of varying scales. With a reputation for innovation and an impressive client list including London’s Royal Parks, Institute of Physics and Raymond Blanc - not to mention a plethora of installations for venues including Grosvenor Square for London Craft Week and exclusive Selfridges window displays, Tom Raffield’s 2019 Main Avenue stand joins the brand’s portfolio of impeccable design.

“We set out to create a space which people respond to instinctively and feel at home in. With a focus on movement, natural materials and organic forms, we wanted to explore the power nature can have on modern lives by improving the spaces we live and work in.

Our ground-breaking new designs allow for a flexible approach to gardening by incorporating different heights, surfaces and structures of our planters and screens, which also creates an accessible environment for everyone to enjoy. Simply being in a green space can make you feel happier and is also proven to provide health benefits. Promoting this important message was a key consideration of this project.” - Designer, Tom Raffield.

 This year, the Tom Raffield Main Avenue stand will feature a special planting scheme designed and implemented by the winner of a collaborative graduate competition hosted with London College of Garden Design and in affiliation with the multi-award-winning designer, Tom Massey – responsible for designing the Lemon Tree Trust 2018 Show Garden.

An array of aromatic, medicinal and edible planting cascading from the roof-top architecture, curved beds, bespoke wooden planters and the brand’s iconic Green Range Planters aims to highlight the importance of connecting with plants and promote the link between horticulture and good health.

“Working with highly-acclaimed garden and landscape designer Tom Massey, along with providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for the graduates of London College of Garden Design has been an incredibly rewarding process. We feel very proud to have supported the next generation of garden designers and feel strongly about inspiring people to appreciate, enjoy and protect nature in our changing world.”

- Designer, Tom Raffield.

The eye-catching stand will incorporate reused and repurposed materials and many of the elements in the design are going to be re-homed or adapted into further projects after the event, including donating the plants to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening programme that support schools to develop and actively use a school garden.

 Showcasing the manipulation of the organic materials and imitating naturally occurring, flowing movements, Tom Raffield’s contemporary and therapeutic green space aims to remind its awe-inspired crowds of the natural power of plants and the positive impact biophilic green spaces can have on modern lives.

Posted: 01.03.19
Updated: 07.05.19