April 2009
PRESS RELEASE

In a unique collaboration of designer and nurseryman, Cleve West and Neil Lucas have joined forces to bring their combined Gold Medal expertise to private and public garden commissions.

The new service is launching to coincide with the start of Chelsea Flower Show; the world’s premiere horticultural event, and the natural habitat for Cleve and Neil over the last few years.

Widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s best garden designers, Cleve West has been awarded five RHS Gold Medals for his gardens at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. His 2008 BUPA Garden also won the coveted BBC/RHS People’s Choice Award.

Neil Lucas is the UK’s leading ornamental grass specialist. Renowned for his naturalistic style of planting, he holds seven consecutive Chelsea Gold Medals for the quality of plants grown at his Dorset-based nursery, Knoll Gardens.

This is the first time that either of them has been involved in a collaborative project of this nature.

“Whilst he always creates spectacular designs, Cleve’s gardens still manage to feel incredibly close to nature.” said Neil. “He frequently works with traditional materials and has a seemingly innate ability to give people exactly the sort of garden they want – which is exactly why he won the People’s Choice Award at Chelsea last year.

“From a personal point of view l have always loved the way he uses grasses in his planting. He has a naturalistic style that echoes a lot of what I do at Knoll Gardens and I am really looking forward to working with him.”

“I have used Neil’s grasses and perennials in many of my gardens over the years,” said Cleve. “The quality of his plants is always first-rate, and his knowledge is second-to-none. Working with Neil will allow me not only to bring his plantsmanship to any project, but also to call upon his award-winning nursery when it comes to planting.

“There are no restrictions on the size of project we will get involved in. Whilst the overall area may be different, the design processes involved in restyling a small urban courtyard, landscaping a large country estate or planning a major public area are actually very similar. It’s all about learning what each client really wants from their garden and then bringing an ‘edge’ to the design, whilst still respecting the integrity of the existing landscape.”

To discuss a potential project with Cleve and Neil call Cleve West on 020 8977 3522, or Neil Lucas on 01202 873931. More information on Cleve West landscape design can be found at www.clevewest.com, or visit Knoll Gardens website at www.knollgardens.co.uk for planting advice.

Editor’s notes:

Knoll Gardens has won seven consecutive Gold Medals at Chelsea Flower Show from 2002 – 2008.

From a total of seven RHS Medals Cleve West has won 5 RHS Golds. He also won the BBC/RHS People’s Choice Award for his 2008 BUPA garden at Chelsea and is a three time George Cooke Award winner at Hampton Court (1994, 1996 and 1997), for the most innovative garden.

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© phoenix 2, March 2009

 

Photography:
Low resolution image of Cleve West and Neil Lucas attached..

A selection of other high resolution photographs are available to download, including garden designs, planting plans, garden borders and plant close-ups. free-of-charge on request. In the first instance please contact Amanda Walker (details below).

Press Contacts :

Neil Lucas
Knoll Gardens
Hampreston, Near Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7ND
Telephone: 01202 873931

Email: enquiries@knollgardens.co.uk

Cleve West
Navigator House
60 High Street, Hampton Wick, Surrey KT1 4DB
Telephone: 020 8977 3522
Email: info@clevewest.com

Publicity Contact:

Amanda Walker
Phoenix 2
Lantern House, Lodge Drove, Woodfalls, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 2NH
Telephone 01725 512200

Email: amanda@phoenix-2.co.uk