In my opinion, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's 'On the Edge' garden by Sarah Eberle is a powerful statement on the importance of edgelands and the need to protect them. The garden's design, which celebrates the Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) centenary, is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between nature and urban spaces. What makes this garden particularly fascinating is its ability to transport visitors to the liminal spaces between towns and countryside, where the vulnerability of these areas is starkly evident. The centerpiece, a fallen tree sculpted into a reclining female figure, is a powerful symbol of Mother Nature, evoking the peacefulness and fragility of green belts and countryside. This is a detail that I find especially interesting, as it captures the essence of the garden's message: that these spaces are not just weeds in the wrong place, but valuable sanctuaries for wildlife and communities. The planting scheme, which includes native plants typically viewed as weeds, is a nod to the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving ordinary, native landscapes. Personally, I think this garden is a call to action, urging us to recognize the beauty and value of these often-overlooked spaces. It raises a deeper question: how can we better protect and nurture these edgelands, and what role can urban communities play in this process? The garden's design, with its fly-tipped flowers and discarded gnome, is a reflection of the reality of these areas, where nature and human activity intersect. It is a reminder that these spaces are not just wildernesses to be tamed, but places where communities and nature can find each other. In my view, the CPRE's interactive map is a crucial step in making these edgelands visible and valued. By encouraging people to contribute observations and stories about these spaces, the map will help to highlight their importance and the need for protection. This is a powerful tool for decision-makers, who can see the value of these areas through the eyes of those who use and care about them. The CPRE's lobbying for the protection of England's green belts and rural edgelands is a necessary step in preserving these spaces for future generations. I believe that by empowering communities to buy land through community land trusts and creating new parks and protected green spaces, we can ensure that these edgelands are nurtured and celebrated. In conclusion, the 'On the Edge' garden is a thought-provoking and inspiring piece of art, a living manifesto that shows what's possible when we value and protect these vulnerable spaces. It is a call to action, urging us to recognize the beauty and importance of edgelands and to take steps to preserve them for the future.
