Show gardens: The Yeo Valley Organic Garden

It shows how choosing organic and taking small steps to work with nature, makes a positive impact on wildlife and plant biodiversity. Mirroring the diversity of life found on Yeo Valley’s organic dairy farm and garden in Somerset, the garden features a range of habitats and plants to encourage wildlife and support pollinators. It offers plenty of ideas on how gardeners can give nature a helping hand in their own gardens. 

The team also want to shine a light on the importance of soil health – something that is often overlooked - and the role this plays in tackling climate change and global biodiversity collapse.

The design also features charred logs (which will become biochar after the show) used as garden markers and rammed earth walls as boundaries, both highlighting the importance of soil health to our changing world. A steam-bent egg-shaped wooden hide, designed and created by celebrated Cornish sculptor Tom Raffield, provides a focal point and an elevated place to observe the garden and the wildlife it supports.

The planting plan has been modified to suit the later season. The result is a rich tapestry of late summer perennials such as dahlias, heleniums and rudbeckia; a gauzy haze of ornamental grasses; and trees and shrubs in full fruit such as medlar and rose.

This is first organic show garden approved by the Soil Association. The use of biochar locks additional carbon into the soil and its beneficial qualities demonstrate the importance of soil health. Healthy soil is important to all our futures, especially as we tackle global pandemics, a changing climate and biodiversity decline.

Plant list:

GRASSES

HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

WOODLAND PERENNIALS

TREES & SHRUBS

ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, BULBS, FERNS & OTHER PLANTS