One of the three contestants representing Britain in a first ever ‘Gardening World Cup’ competition in Japan has been awarded a bronze medal for a garden he has built in ten days on the other side of the world and which visitors to the event are describing as being “like heaven”.
Inspired by the stained glass windows in his Cumbrian potting shed, Jonathan Denby has designed and built a memorial garden to a young man who lost his life in the First World War for this ‘gardening for world peace’ themed event.
Denby, the only non-professional designer, was invited to take part alongside 11 of the world’s top designers from four continents including two other British contestants, Andy Sturgeon and James Towillis. Other recognisable names include the Japanese designer Kazuyuki Ishihara who conceived the event to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the atomic bomb being dropped on Nagasaki, his home town.
Having spent ten days working in typhoon-like conditions with gardens submerged under water at critical times, communicating through translators and making last minute changes to key features of the garden because of problems with sourcing items locally, Jonathan is delighted with his win announced on Friday (8 October). The nearly all white garden has been attracting the crowds with many visitors wanting to photograph themselves with Jonathan who has been wearing his signature white linen suit for the event.
Event organiser, Phil Jacobson said: "Jonathan's English garden with its white colour scheme has created something of a sensation here. It is without a doubt the public's favourite. Visitors have been queuing to have their photos taken with Jonathan, whose face has become quite well known, after several appearances on Japanese television in their coverage of the Gardening World Cup.
Commenting on his garden Jonathan said: “My garden uses white flowers and it has been quite a challenge to find flowers in bloom at this time of year for an autumn garden show. We have bought what seems to be the entire stock for the province of Nagasaki and the result is that it looks spectacularly beautiful. It is a joy to hear people say "Wow" as they turn the corner and see the garden. All of us have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors to the event who are happy to show their appreciation of these gardens.”
The event is open from Saturday 9 October to Sunday 17 October. Jonathan Denby returns to England on Monday 18 October.
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