I've been asked to tell you a little about the judging process at Chelsea. When designers apply to do a garden at Chelsea, they submit what's called a 'Client's Brief'. The assessors and judges look at whether this Brief has been delivered, and of course to what standard, before deciding whether a garden should win a medal. This is why the public are sometimes surprised by a lower medal than expected; they don't see the Brief and cannot therefore judge whether it has been met. A beautiful garden that does not meet the Brief cannot be awarded a gold medal.
The day before judging 3 assessors visit the gardens to see if the intention of the Brief has been met, and to look at the overall impression, design, construction, and planting. They make a recommendation to the judges on the following day and it is debated and a vote taken. The photo above shows a 'huddle' of judges on Andy Sturgeon's garden in 2005. There is then a moderation meeting, and the exhibitors are informed of the results the next day.
Linda Bush is a garden designer based in Kent.
