Tuesday 22 Saturday 26 May 2018 GARDEN FACTSHEET. Show Gardens, Artisan Gardens, Space to Grow

Transcription

1 Tuesday 22 Saturday 26 May 2018 GARDEN FACTSHEET Show Gardens, Artisan Gardens, Space to Grow Before completing your application pack, please read through this document. It explains: 2018 garden categories What happens next First time designers What is required Regulations Garden promotion Environmental responsibility Working access passes and tickets Judging & awards Terms & conditions Contacts 2018 GARDEN CATEGORIES Show Garden A Show Garden demonstrates the best of horticulture and excellence in garden design and innovative landscaping. The largest gardens at the show offer the ability to create the extraordinary, generate wonder and excitement and make a lasting impact at the world s most prestigious flower show. Artisan Gardens Traditional materials and methods are revitalised through new design approaches in the creation of the Artisan Gardens. Rustic combines with stylish modern twists, resulting in bold and exciting gardens. Space to Grow Space to Grow Gardens are a new source of ideas and trends at Chelsea for everyone, showing how we can all incorporate plants into our lives. In a prominent location along Royal Hospital Way, the gardens here will inspire visitors to transform their outdoor space, no matter how modest, and feel the benefits that growing can bring.

2 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Applications and all supporting documents must be received no later than Wednesday 9 August 2017 for all garden categories. The completed application, along with associated drawings and information will be assessed by a Selection Panel, a group of expert garden designers, landscape architects, plantsmen and contractors during September and October. The Panel s comments will be provided in order that applicants can supply additional information requested and make changes or revisions as appropriate. Changes and additional information should then be submitted within two weeks and should include any new or additional drawings. Providing all information has been supplied to the Panel s satisfaction and your garden is accepted for the show, an allocation of space can be made. Final allocations will be sent out with an Acceptance of Site Contract. The signed contract must be returned as soon as possible so that a login for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Exhibitor Zone 2018 and order forms can be issued. KEY DATES:* Show Gardens o Application deadline, Wednesday 9 August 2017 o First selection Panel meeting, Wednesday 30 August 2017 o Final Panel meeting, Tuesday 3 October 2017 o Allocation, end October Space to Grow and Artisan Gardens o Application deadline, Wednesday 9 August 2017 o First selection Panel meeting, Thursday 31 August 2017 o Final Panel meeting, Friday 6 October 2017 o Allocation, end October * Please note all panel meeting dates are provisional Note: If your garden is accepted for the show, a provisional allocation of space can be made any time from the first panel meeting right through to the last. Once all gardens have been selected, only then will they be put on plan and given final allocation of space. FIRST TIME DESIGNERS We encourage all exhibitors to contact us to talk through their application before submission and to submit a portfolio of relevant work. First time designers must work with an experienced contractor. Please contact us if you would like details of experienced Chelsea contractors. WHAT IS REQUIRED Please read the following information to help you be in the best position for a successful application. 1. Read the factsheet thoroughly. This factsheet contains all the information you require to help you design a garden that is suitable for the show, such as excavation depth, height restrictions, queries concerning logistic, regulations etc. If you have any other questions please contact a member of the Show Management team. 2. Submit everything we require in the format stated below. If we do not get the information as required we might not be able to submit your application to the selection panel. Specification for submission All drawings and images must be scaled to A3. The maximum file size per document is 4MB.

3 Please submit only the following file types: image files and PDF. Annotations must be clear and legible. Drawings All garden applications must include at least one of each of the following six drawings as a minimum in order for your application to be submitted to the selection panel. Clearly label each drawing with the drawing number, drawing type, your name and garden category. Save each file using the following format: 3,Perspective_drawing, Jo_blogs,Show_Garden.JPEG N.B. If you are submitting more than one drawing please label these as 3a, 3b, 3c. i.e. 3a,Perspective_drawing, 3b,Perspective drawing etc. 1. Master plan a. 2D colour plan showing the garden from above. b. Plan should be to scale. c. The plan should be fully annotated with key elements of the design, such as boundary treatment, hard landscaping, full dimensions, planted areas, materials etc. 2. Setting out plan a. 2D black and white plan similar to the master plan showing the main elements of the garden. This helps the panel see your design clearly. b. The plan should show key dimensions e.g. path widths, spot heights, water dimensions. 3. Perspective drawing(s) a. This can be either a perspective or axonometric drawings showing key views of the garden including the views into the garden that visitors will see. b. Ideally this drawing should be in full colour. c. We recommend at least one of these drawings to be an artistic impression. This helps the panel understand the feeling of the garden, which sometimes can get lost within a computer generated perspective. 4. Section drawings a. These plans show excavation depths and key heights of ALL elements of the garden (including both soft and hard landscaping). b. Please include the RHS regulated depths and heights (available from the regulations handbook) shown as a line drawn on the section elevations for comparison. 5. Preliminary planting plan a. This plan should be similar to the master plan showing key structural plants, and planting schemes. b. The plan should be accompanied by a separate list of plants this does not have to be a final definitive list, but needs to be a good indication of plants to be used. c. You may also include plant mood boards but please do not submit only mood boards, as planting plan and list are fundamental to your application. 6. Construction drawings a. Construction drawings should be supplied at application stage clearly showing how buildings, structures, walls and any load bearing elements of your garden are constructed. b. Structural engineering drawings will only be required at allocation. You may also submit other material if you so wish, however we must clearly see the above six separate drawings submitted with your application. Any additional material must be clearly labelled. For example: Additional_material 1_Moodboard Additional_material 2_Material_moodboard 3. Complete the Application Form in full. Make sure you fill in all sections of the application form, making sure you choose the most relevant person to act as the Co-coordinator. We will only communicate to this single person who will then be responsible to distribute relevant information through your team.

4 4. Cost Estimate. It is important that we receive a full costing of your garden, which has been checked by your contractor. This will help you to ascertain if your design is achievable within your budget, and to assure us that you have fully thought through your submission. 5. Sponsor letter. For all sponsored gardens we require a letter confirming sponsorship with your application. The letter should be from your sponsor confirming their support of your garden and the sponsorship amount. 6. Clients Brief. The Client s Brief enables you to communicate your design intentions to the judging panel and forms the basis upon which your garden will be judged. Completing it will help you focus on:- WHAT your client has asked you to achieve, the garden s purpose and function. WHY you have chosen the particular design direction, inspiration and/or theme for the garden. HOW you will construct the garden and in particular with what hard materials and plants. When completing the Client s Brief: Do not exceed stated word limits or include overly detailed descriptions. Do not leave any questions unanswered. If you state no or not applicable to any questions, please expand and explain why this is the case. REGULATIONS Unless otherwise stated, regulations relate to all garden categories. Allocated space Exhibits must be confined to their allocated area during show week (this includes overhang, e.g. structures and buildings). Barriers Exhibitors are advised to erect a barrier around their garden, this should be in keeping with the style of the garden. The barrier should be placed no more than 0.5m outside the edge of the garden and must be 0.75m 1.25m high. This is the responsibility of the exhibitor and not the RHS. The garden must be manned from within the rope line or just outside. Boundary heights Garden Category Back Wall Side Wall Artisan Gardens Space to Grow 2m+ * Rear boundary should be a minimum of 2m. Rear boundary should be a maximum of 2m. Side walls are not essential. Where included these may not exceed 2m dropping to 1.2m for 2.4m from front edge. Side walls and fences should be a maximum height of 2 metres, except at the front of the garden where they should be a maximum height of 1.2m for the first 2.4m from front edge. Show Gardens Main Avenue (East) [backing onto shell scheme] Main Avenue (West) [backing onto Great Pavilion] 3m minimum 2.4m 2-6m * Side walls and fences should be a maximum height of 2 metres, except at the front of the garden where they should be a maximum height of 1.2m for the first 2.4m from front edge.

5 Rock Garden Bank Triangle Boundaries to be designed with viewing opportunities in mind and agreed in advance with the Show Manager* * Heights to be agreed with Show Manager. If your boundary differs from regulation this must be agreed in advance with the Show Manager. The height of all walls and fences must be clearly marked on your garden plan. Common boundaries must be discussed with neighbouring exhibitor(s) whose details will be given when space is confirmed. The height, style and finish of adjoining walls or fences, buildings and any other items of mutual interest must be agreed, and permission of the Show Manager sought where these differ from RHS regulation. An exhibitor who erects a structure or a boundary partition which is visible from their neighbour s exhibit or public thoroughfare must finish the structure to the same high standard on both sides. In the event of a dispute, exhibitors should contact the Show Manager. Buildings Within reason, the maximum height of any built structures in gardens is 6 meters. However, exhibitors must ensure that: The height of buildings, structures and trees are clearly marked on the plan of your garden. Buildings and structures exceeding 2m in height are positioned at least 1m away from perimeter walls or fences that form a common boundary with neighbouring exhibits. As a general guideline, the higher the building or structure, the further away it should be from a common boundary. Charges for site There is no charge for garden space. All costs including build, promotion, hospitality and breakdown are the responsibility of the exhibitor. See also garden deposits. Children Children under 5 years of age are not allowed on site at any time. Children under 16 years of age are not allowed on site during the build-up, restocking and breakdown periods. Under 18 s are not admitted to the Charity Gala Preview. Conduct Exhibitors are expected to conduct their business in a polite and courteous manner and in a fashion that promotes a safe and welcoming environment. Exhibitors are expected to act lawfully, ethically and in the best interest of all other site users and show visitors at all times. Exhibitors must not smoke or consume food or drink on their stands in view of visitors. During the open hours of the Show exhibitors are expected to maintain a clean, smart and professional appearance. Exhibitors may not canvas for business in any part of the site outside the space allocated to them. The sale or distribution of literature which is not relevant to the exhibit or to the exhibitor s normal business is prohibited. Exhibitors may not canvas for business or undertake any form of promotion outside the showground (including the car parks and surrounding areas) without written permission from the RHS and the relevant authorities. Permission is not normally granted. Exhibitors are required to respect the Show site and neighbour s stands or sites. Cranes Exhibitors must hire cranes provided by Baldwins Crane Hire, the official crane contractor for the Show. Cranes that have not been booked from the official crane contractor will be turned away. Exhibitors who need to bring cranes onto site must arrange times/length of stay with the Show Manager before arriving on site.

6 Cranes delivered to site should only be of sufficient size for the operation they are required for, and not larger. Cranes can only remain on site for limited periods of time. Crane outriggers or stabilisers that project onto unprotected ground must have stabiliser pads that are protected by a minimum of two standard (e.g. 2.4m x 1.2m) sheets of 20mm exterior grade plywood per stabilizer pad. Cranes are banned for Artisan Gardens Drawings All garden applications must include the following drawings as a minimum in order to be assessed for selection: 1. Master plan a. 2D colour plan showing the garden from above. b. Plan should be to scale. c. The plan should be fully annotated with key elements of the design, such as boundary treatment, hard landscaping, full dimensions, planted areas, materials etc. 2. Setting out plan a. 2D black and white plan similar to the master plan showing the main elements of the garden. This helps the panel see your design clearly. b. The plan should show key dimensions e.g. path widths, spot heights, water dimensions. 3. Perspective drawing(s) a. This can be either a perspective or axonometric drawings showing key views of the garden including the views into the garden that visitors will see. b. Ideally this drawing should be in full colour. c. We recommend at least one of these drawings to be an artistic impression. This helps the panel understand the feeling of the garden, which sometimes can get lost within a computer generated perspective. 4. Section drawings a. These plans show excavation depths and key heights of ALL elements of the garden (including both soft and hard landscaping). b. Please include the RHS regulated depths and heights (available from the regulations handbook) shown as a line drawn on the section elevations for comparison. 5. Preliminary planting plan a. This plan should be similar to the master plan showing key structural plants, and planting schemes. b. The plan should be accompanied by a separate list of plants this does not have to be a final definitive list, but needs to be a good indication of plants to be used. c. You may also include plant mood boards but please do not submit only mood boards, as planting plan and list are fundamental to your application. 6. Construction drawings a. Construction drawings should be supplied at application stage clearly showing how buildings, structures, walls and any load bearing elements of your garden are constructed. b. Structural engineering drawings will only be required at allocation. Excavations There is substantial infrastructure under the showground, consisting of drains, water mains, tanks, telephone lines and electric cables. All exhibitors will be made aware of these services, and those exhibits which involve excavation or construction of any sort must have prior approval for their plans from the Show Manager. Caution must be exercised to avoid damage to underground infrastructure. Any damage to services will not only cause inconvenience but will incur serious costs, which will be charged to the exhibitor. Any discovered items of archaeological or historical interest, such as pottery, coins, bricks etc., are the property of the site owners and must be reported immediately to the Show Manager. The depths of excavations must be clearly marked on your garden plans. Where not removed by the RHS, the existing turf on sites should be removed with as little soil as possible. Excavated soil must be incorporated within the construction of the exhibit where possible or removed to designated spoil heaps; it must not be removed from the site.

7 Artisan Gardens No excavation is permitted Space to Grow The maximum depth for any excavation is 0.75m No excavation is permitted within 1m of all kerb lines Show Gardens All Gardens The maximum depth for any excavation is listed below: - Main Avenue (East) 1.5m except within Root Protection Areas (see below) - Main Avenue (West) 0.75m - Rock Garden depths to be agreed with Show Manager at allocation stage - Triangle depths to be agreed with Show Manager at allocation stage No excavation is permitted within 300mm of all kerb lines In order to protect tree roots permission from the Show Manager is needed when excavating within tree Root Protection Areas (RPAs). A RPA is defined as the circular areas around the tree within a radius of four times the circumference of the tree trunk measured at 1.3m high. Within the RPA excavation guidelines are: a.) Excavations within 1/3 of radius: not permitted except with hand tools and only under the supervision of the onsite arboriculturist. b.) Excavations between 1/3 of radius and 2/3 of radium: 0.75m depth limit c.) Excavations between 2/3 of radius and limit of radius: 1.5m depth limit d.) Excavations beyond radius of root protection area: 1.5m depth limit Garden deposits If your garden application is selected for the show you will be required to pay a refundable deposit. Deposits will not be returned if you withdraw your application after allocation. Please see table below for the different amounts for each garden category. Artisan Gardens 600 incl. VAT Space to Grow 600 incl. VAT Show Gardens 1800 incl. VAT The deposit is fully refundable and will be repaid to you providing that, having returned your Acceptance of Site Contract, your garden is built at the Show in accordance with the agreed plans. Refunds will not be made to exhibitors who fail to clear their site to the required standard following the Show.

8 Garden sizes and locations Show Garden 10m frontage x 20 22m depth (Main Avenue East, viewed from two sides) 15m frontage x 10m depth (Main Avenue West, viewed from two sides) Triangle (please contact Katherine Potsides to discuss this site further) Up to 22m x 10m depth (Rock Garden Bank is a sloping site, viewed from front only, please contact Katherine Potsides to discuss this site further) Any other size not stated above from contact Katherine Potsides before completing your application to discuss Space to Grow (Royal Hospital Way North) Artisan Garden 6m frontage x 6m depth (one or two open sides) 12m frontage x 6m depth (one or two open sides) 10m frontage x 10m depth (one or two open sides) 5m frontage x 4m depth (viewed from front) 7m frontage x 5m depth (viewed from front) 7m frontage x 4m depth (viewed from front) 8m frontage x 6m depth (viewed from front) 9m frontage x 4m depth (viewed from front) Irregular shape 40sqm Although every effort will be made to accommodate the requested size of garden, no guarantee can be given. Graphics, murals, painted backgrounds, etc. The proposed use of graphics, murals, painted backgrounds, etc. must be shown in plans submitted in advance and the Show Manager s permission sought for their use. In all cases these must be constructed of a fire retardant material. Masonry Cutting Only masonry-cutting equipment with water-spray dust suppression kit may be used onsite. No masonry cutting equipment may be used anywhere on the show site less than five days before judging. No exhibitors may undertake any operation which is likely to create dust causing detriment to exhibits which have already been staged. Media Form Following acceptance into the show and a provisional allocation, garden exhibitors are required to complete the RHS Media Form. This must be filled in as fully as possible and should include a final illustration of the garden. The final illustration will be used for the garden s web and show guide pages. Late submissions of the Media Form or the final illustration will incur a charge. Plant & machinery A maximum weight limit of 6 tonnes applies to all plant brought on site. Where possible, smaller machines should be used. Excavators and plant used should only be of sufficient size for the excavations they are required for, and not larger than is necessary. Metal tracked equipment of any type is not permitted on site under any circumstances. All machinery entering the Great Pavilion or Ranelagh Gardens must be fitted with grassland or industrial tyres, no agricultural tyres will be permitted in these areas. Operators of all types of plant must be competent, experienced, and in possession of, and able to make available for inspection on site, the appropriate qualification, licence or certificate. Such documentation must be up to date. All plant vehicles must only be used within their designed capabilities and limits. Unattended plant must be parked correctly and safely without blocking any access/egress points to or from buildings, structures or the site neither must they be parked over tree roots.

9 Industrial or grassland tyres are preferred on vehicles working on the tarmac roads travelling to and from the spoil heap. Lugged tyres will not be allowed into the site Safety reversing alarms of the broadband (white noise) type are required on all plant. Restricted items When designing a garden bear in mind the items listed below are either not allowed or restricted (needing special permission from the Show Manager). Items not allowed: Balloons Flags Feather flags Product samples Materials exuding a foul or unpleasant odour (including spray paints, aerosols and fibres) Gnomes or brightly coloured creatures Any item which, in the opinion of the Society, detracts from the presentation of the plants or products on display, or from the general appearance of the Show Items requiring special permission from the Show Manager: Any item deemed by the Society to have no direct or demonstrable relevance to horticulture or gardening Audio and visual media Pop-up banners Artificial plant material including artificial turf Banners Bunting Dormant bulbs and corms Food and drink Fruit or flowers artificially attached to a plant or spray Live animals of any kind Mirrors Music Sound effects Services The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Exhibitor Zone and order forms for tickets and services (water, electricity, telephones, etc.) will be ed to confirmed exhibitors in January Soil movement and ground protection Exhibitors can request turf removal prior to arrival onsite using the soil removal form on the online exhibitor manual. The soil removal form can also be used to request removal of additional amounts of soil from Space to Grow. There may be a small charge to cover costs. Gardens may remove up to 70m³ of soil to the RHS soil heap. Above this amount the garden will have to pay for the removal and return of soil to the site. Contact the Show Manager for further details. All foundations must be lined with a membrane. If using gravel, sand, shingle or other building materials, the ground must also be covered with a membrane to protect the ground and grass. Glass chippings, crushed CDs and selected waste materials may not be used. Fibreglass may only be used if pre-agreed with the Show Manager. Storage areas within exhibits Space is allocated to the exhibitor on the understanding that it is used principally to stage the garden. Catalogues, leaflets and any other promotional material must not be stored in view of visitors. Exhibits may not be constructed to contain private offices. Limited storage areas are allocated for all Show and Space to Grow: these may be shared between exhibits. Artisan only

10 Exhibitors who need storage facilities must design this into the space allocated: this must be discreet, tasteful and in harmony with the design of the garden. Sub-letting of space Exhibitor s may not sub-let, or otherwise part with the whole or any part of the space allocated. Sub-letting would constitute an exhibitor allowing another company to trade from their allocated stand. Water features Exhibitors must not use stand pipes to fill large water features. Please contact the Show Manager for more details. GARDEN PROMOTION Branded items No giveaways or branded items such as umbrellas, ponchos etc. can be given away from your garden. Confidentiality Applicants may confirm to the media they have applied but may not confirm they have been allocated until after the RHS has announced the list of allocated gardens at the official RHS Chelsea Flower Show press launch, exact dates to be confirmed at allocation. The RHS reserves the right to announce to the media any garden, once allocated. Gardens cannot delay the announcement in favour of their own press launch. Fundraising Charitable cash collection may not be carried out within the showground. Discreet fundraising activities may be carried out during After Hours functions with permission from the Show Manager. Garden entertainment Exhibitors may not entertain on their gardens during show open hours. Details of opportunities for exhibitors to entertain, such as After Hours and Business Breakfasts, can be found on the online exhibitor zone sent to successful applicants on allocation in January Leaflets Exhibitors are encouraged to produce a leaflet containing information relevant to the garden to distribute to Show visitors. Leaflets are collected by visitors and kept after the Show, so they should contain images and information to act as an aide memoire. The leaflet may be of any format, and must be produced to a high standard. The content should include: On the front cover: the garden s title, site number, the correct name of the Show (RHS Chelsea Flower Show) and the Twitter hashtag #RHSChelsea At least one third must be dedicated to details about the garden; the remainder may be given over to specific promotions or information about sponsor(s) Contacts and details of the company/organisation, sponsor(s), designer(s) or contractor(s) Images of the garden design and the featured plants Plant lists Any other information relevant to the horticultural content of your garden Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) Exhibitors must send a draft copy of the leaflet to the Show Manager for approval no less than six weeks before the Show. Manning of exhibits All gardens must be manned from 8am 8pm daily Tuesday to Friday and from 8am 5.30pm on Saturday of the Show. Gardens should be manned by members of the design/ construction team as well as the sponsor company, so as to inform visitors about the plant and design elements within the garden. We recommend the following staffing levels, six staff on 10 x 22m garden, four staff on 10 x 10m garden and two or three staff for Artisan and Space to Grow.

11 Samples Samples may not be distributed from gardens. Selling No plants or other items may be sold from the garden during the show. Exhibitors may take orders for plants, products or services during the show. Sell off On the last day of the Show (Saturday), exhibitors are permitted to sell the plants and other items from their gardens from 4pm if they wish. At 5.30pm the Show closes and no further selling is permitted. Show Guide and website entry All gardens must complete a Show Guide entry and description for the website in the time frame requested by the RHS. A media form, which captures all the relevant details, will be sent to you upon allocation. Exhibitors seeking guidance on the style and format should refer to RHS Chelsea website and the 2017 Chelsea Show Guide, copies of which are available on request from the Shows Department. Souvenir Show Bags The below guidelines apply to shopping bags only. Exhibitors are permitted to reference the following items on souvenir bags The exhibit sponsor/exhibitor name (logo and/or text) The name of the garden/exhibit (text) Image of the exhibit (photo/drawings) NOT permitted to reference: Any of the following words: RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 The show logo The show creative Only the RHS and selected show partners have the right to reference the show logo, creative and/or RHS Chelsea Flower Show For full RHS Chelsea Brand Guidelines please refer to the online Exhibitor Zone. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY The following regulations have been formulated in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society s policies on conservation and the environment. Restricted Materials Surface-stripped limestone pavement must not be used at any RHS Shows. Peat must not be used for staging or mulching purposes. Exhibitors are encouraged to minimise or exclude peat from plant production as much as possible. Timber treated with creosote should not be used at Shows. The European commission restricts the use of creosote-treated products. For more information see Restricted Plants & Plant Regulations The RHS reserves the right to demand the removal of any plants or other materials which compromise the following RHS policies: Exhibitors are not permitted to use or sell plants, moss, bulbs or corms which have been collected from the wild. Exhibitors should ensure they comply with CITES as implemented in the European Union and other conservation legislation designed to protect wild plants and their habitats. For more information see The RHS s policy regarding the use or sale at RHS shows of non-native invasive plants, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act for England and Wales and EU Implementing

12 Regulation 2016/1141 can be found here All plants entering the United Kingdom from outside the European Union (EU) will require a phytosanitary certificate and will be inspected prior to entry. Importers of consignments from outside the EU must notify the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) using the PEACH system ( There are also restrictions on the movements of some plants within the EU, for example imports of Castanea (sweet chestnut), Fraxinus (ash), Platanus (plane), Quercus (oak) and Ulmus (elm) are restricted into the UK ( For more information see: Tel: +44 (0) ; Fax: +44 (0) ; planthealth.info@fera.gsi.gov.uk Exhibitors are advised to familiarise themselves with current regulations regarding: Agapanthus gall midge Ash dieback (Chalara Fraxinea) Asian longhorn beetle Fuchsia gall mite (Aculops fuchsiae) Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) Phytophthora diseases including those caused by: Phytophthora kernoviae: t.pdf Phytophthora lateralis: Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden oak death): t.pdf Information about further important pests and diseases can be found here: Harmful plants Most plants do not present any hazard to humans and incidents in the United Kingdom are rare. Nevertheless it is the responsibility of exhibitors to ensure that risks are avoided, e.g. by positioning plants known to have skin or eye irritant qualities away from the front of a stand; and that controls are in place in case of an incident. Potentially harmful plants must be clearly identified. For further details refer to the Code of Recommended Retail Practice Relating to the Labelling of Potentially Harmful Plants published by the Horticultural Trades Association. ( For more information see Using & selling timber Timber products brought to RHS Shows for sale or display must be proven to be from sustainable source. Exhibitors must provide a copy of their own timber certificate or, if they do not hold certificates themselves, a valid certificate from their direct supplier accompanied by a recent invoice. All exhibitors are encouraged to use sustainably sourced timber in the construction and staging of exhibits. Independent audits are undertaken at RHS Shows to ensure exhibitors are complying with the policy.

13 WORKING ACCESS PASS AND TICKETS Working access pass A working access pass provides access to the showground for everyone involved in staging and manning the garden, including staff handing out leaflets on show open days. In order to obtain a working access pass you will be required to preregister all individuals involved in your garden, this includes each individual during the build up, breakdown and show week. Each individual preregistering will need to provide the following information: full name, home address, date of birth and upload a recent head and shoulders photograph. Allocation of working access passes relates to the size of your garden. Details of these are given in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Exhibitor Zone 2018 and in the tables below. Access to the site is not permitted without a valid working access pass. All vehicle occupants must wear a working access pass and the vehicle must have a valid pass. The working access pass is non-transferable. Garden Size Build up access Final build Sunday access Press day access Show week working access 20 44sqm sqm sqm sqm sqm sqm sqm sqm upwards Build-up times The following is a guide to when construction can begin. All dates are subject to change and will be confirmed in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Manual Garden exhibitors may begin construction as follows: ARTISAN GARDEN SPACE TO GROW SHOW GARDEN Royal Hospital Way East (10x10m) Royal Hospital Way West (6x6/12m) Main Avenue (East) Main Avenue (West) Rock Garden Bank Triangle Wednesday 9 May Monday 7 May Wednesday 9 May Tuesday 1 May Thursday 3 May Tuesday 1 May Tuesday 1 May All construction work (including excavation, foundations, buildings, conservatories, walling, paving and the cutting of any stone) must be completed by 9am on Wednesday 16 May. Construction vehicles must have left the site by this time, leaving space for the majority of other exhibitors arriving on the site to unload their vehicles. All gardens must be completed by 7.30am on Sunday 20 May 2018 but we advise you aim to be completed by Saturday 19 May. Breakdown Exhibitors must remove all rubbish and building materials etc. from the showground and you must obtain a Clearance Certificate from the RHS Show Team before you leave the Showground. The General Contractor will quote for site clearance if you do not wish to clear your site yourself. Show Garden exhibitors must complete breakdown no later than the following dates: ARTISAN GARDEN Tuesday 29 May* SPACE TO GROW Tuesday 29 May

14 SHOW GARDEN Main Avenue (East) Main Avenue (West) Rock Garden Bank Triangle Thursday 31 May Tuesday 29 May Thursday 31 May Thursday 31 May Artisan Only *Vehicular Access The maximum size of vehicles in Ranelagh Gardens is up to 3.5 tonnes laden weight (Luton Transit type) and not exceeding 20 foot overall length with tail lift in use. Deliveries should be staggered to ensure that large vehicles are not needed Tickets In addition to the allocated show day working access passes for manning your garden, exhibitors have an opportunity to purchase a limited number of show tickets for clients and guests at a discounted rate. The demand for tickets is very high and they must be ordered by the deadline provided. Tickets requested after the deadline cannot be guaranteed, and those that we are to accommodate will be charged at full public rate, so it is advised to ensure you purchase these as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The use of tickets as prizes in commercial promotions, hospitality or travel packages, lotteries or competitions without the prior written consent of the RHS is expressly prohibited. It is against the terms and conditions of sale to resell tickets. Doing so will render them null and void and may affect your entitlement to buy or receive tickets to future shows. Garden Judging JUDGING & AWARDS RHS Garden judging is a three part process: assessing, judging and moderation. Both assessing and judging will reference your Client s Brief, which must be completed and submitted to the Judging team in advance using the appropriate form. The form will be sent to you 5 weeks prior to judging. Assessing, Saturday 19 May 2018: a small team of assessing judges will visit the garden. A representative from the garden will have two minutes to present/highlight any developments to your garden since submitting the final Client s Brief. An approximate time for the presentation will be given in advance. The person giving the presentation can be the designer, sponsor, contractor or whomever else you think most appropriate. Tip: Speak positively and enthusiastically, do not make excuses or point out things unnecessarily, and do not repeat the information in the Client s Brief. The assessing judges may also have questions or seek further clarification about the Client s Brief or the garden. After this presentation, exhibitors will be asked to vacate the garden whilst it is being assessed. The assessing judges inspect the garden, systematically determining from the information supplied in the Client s Brief, the presentation and the garden itself the standard to which the exhibitor has achieved each of the criteria, which results in a medal recommendation. See Garden Judging Criteria 2018 below. The notes and marks from the assessing stage are circulated to the judging panel. Note: Gardens do not have to be finished for assessing, although it is advised that garden should aim for completion by Saturday 19 May Judging, Sunday 20 May 2018: the judging panel, comprising of the three assessing judges and four additional judges will visit the finished garden. Having reviewed in advance the completed Client s Brief, the assessing judges notes, and any further information reported on behalf of the exhibitor at the presentation, the panel will review the garden and agree a medal recommendation.

15 If any member of the judging panel does not agree with the standard indicated by the assessing judges they can call for further discussion and a revote. Once the entire panel has agreed on the standard to which the exhibitor has achieved each of the criteria, this results in the medal to be awarded. Moderation, Sunday 20 May 2018: a moderator, an experienced judge, will also accompany the judging panel to ensure the panel is consistent in their application of the criteria and will confirm the medal awarded. The garden with the highest score will automatically win Best in Show. Should two or more gardens score the same then the judges will propose and then vote on their Best in Show. If there are more than two proposals, the two with the most votes will be re-voted by all judges to reach a clear winner by a majority vote. Please note no supporting literature, plant lists or additional plans are to be given out to the judges under any circumstances. RHS Awards Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze medal awards can be awarded by the Judges. If an exhibit is considered to be below Bronze standard, no award will be made. Exhibitors winning a Gold Medal for the first time will be sent the engraved medal after the Show. Medals for any other or subsequent exhibits are not provided but may be purchased. Award cards will be placed on gardens before 8am on Tuesday 22 May. Any additional cards may be ordered from the RHS at a charge of 5 per card. Garden exhibitors will be eligible for best in category awards. All results are embargoed until medal cards have been distributed on Tuesday 22 May.

16 2018 Garden Judging Criteria The Royal Horticultural Society Realisation of Client s Brief: Clarity, Delivery 2. Ambition: Atmosphere, Flair, Originality, Impact, Theatre 3. Overall Impression: Attention to detail Choice of materials, Polish & Dressing Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Poor(1) Unsatisfactory (0) First-rate and clear realisation of brief with no apparent discrepancies between brief and completed garden Excellent degree of ambition with no apparent issues Excellent overall impression with no apparent issues of attention to detail Strong realisation of brief with minor discrepancies between brief and completed garden Very high degree of ambition with minor issues Very good overall impression with minor weak areas lacking attention to detail Clear realisation of brief with some discrepancies between brief and completed garden Adequate degree of ambition with some noticeable issues Favourable overall impression with some noticeable weak areas requiring attention to detail Ambiguous realisation of brief with some significant discrepancies between brief and completed garden Underlying degree of ambition but with some significant issues Weak overall impression with significant areas requiring greater attention to detail Limited realisation of brief to completed garden No, or very little evidence of ambition Low overall impression with little evidence of any attention to detail 4. Design, layout plan of garden: Dimensions, Scale, Unity 5. Design, 3D and spatial composition: Scale, Mass & Void, Volume, Balance 6. Construction: Quality of Build & Finish 7. Planting design: Visual impact, Colour, Texture, Form, Composition 8. Planting associations: Relevance, Cultural requirements, Sustainability 9. Planting implementation: Quality, Health, Density Excellent layout plan of garden, with no apparent flaws Excellent spatial balance and scale, with no apparent issues Excellent build quality and finish demonstrating craftsmanship, flair and skill with no apparent fault in construction Excellent planting design with no apparent errors in composition Excellent planting associations with no apparent inaccuracies in plant selection Excellent quality plants with no imperfections and appropriate density for design intentions Very good layout plan with some minor flaws Very good spatial balance and scale, with minor issues Very good build quality and finish with minor faults in construction that reflect in the aesthetic finish to work Very good planting design with minor errors in composition Very good planting associations with, minor inaccuracies in plant selection Very good quality plants with few imperfections and mainly appropriate density for design intentions Good layout plan with some noticeable flaws Largely acceptable spatial balance and scale, but with some noticeable issues A generally good finish in build quality with some construction faults that could be improved to enhance the build finish Good planting design with some noticeable errors in composition Good planting associations with some noticeable inaccuracies in plant selection Good quality plants with some minor imperfections and/or some inconsistency in density for design intentions Weak layout plan with some significant flaws Weak spatial balance and scale, with some significant issues Variable build quality and finish across garden with notable faults in the construction detail Sufficient planting design with some significant errors in composition Weak planting associations with significant inaccuracies in plant selection Generally undersized plants of insufficient quality and/or quantity for design intentions Major flaws with layout plan Major design issues of spatial balance and scale Substandard build quality and finish across the garden with numerous faults in tolerance and construction detail Little or no tangible evidence of planting design, lacks composition Arbitrary associations with major inaccuracies in plant selection Inferior plants inadequate for purpose. Unsatisfactory on all counts. Medal Gold Silver-Gilt Silver Bronze No Award Points (36-28) (27-23) (22-19) (18-15) (14 0) Correct at time of print, subject to review and amendment.

17 Amplification of Garden Judging Criteria Criteria 1 Realisation of Client s Brief: Clarity, Delivery Does the completed garden reflect and support the design intentions as stated in the Client s Brief? THINK: Happy client Criteria 2 Ambition: Atmosphere, Flair, Originality, Impact, Theatre The garden could have any one, or a combination of the attributes listed. THINK: Showmanship Criteria 3 Overall Impression: Attention to detail, Choice of Materials, Polish & Dressing Does the garden work as a whole? How relevant and aesthetically pleasing are the choice of materials and the dressing of the garden? THINK: Furnished, dressed Criteria 4 Design, layout plan of garden: Dimensions, Scale, Unity, Does the garden function in 2D? Do the spaces work for their supposed purposes? THINK: Comfortable, cohesive space Criteria 5 Design, 3D and spatial composition: Scale, Mass & Void, Volume, Balance Does the design work as a whole? THINK: Human scale Criteria 6 Construction: Quality of Build & Finish Finish refers to the quality of construction; for example in the width of the joints in the paving, the finish of a rendered edge. It does not refer to the overall completion of the garden. What standard of construction is evident in the completed garden? THINK: Craftsmanship Criteria 7 Planting design: Visual Impact, Colour, Texture, Form, Composition Do the visual elements of the planting work together? What visual impact is there? THINK: Overall picture Criteria 8 Planting associations: Relevance, Cultural requirements, Sustainability Will the selected plants live and survive together? THINK: Correct horticultural plant associations for design intentions Criteria 9 Planting implementation: Quality, Health, Density Are the selected plants healthy and of suitable size? Is the planting density appropriate to the character & atmosphere as stated in the Client s Brief? Is it believable? THINK: Appropriate horticultural practice for design intentions

18 2018 Conceptual Garden Judging Criteria The Royal Horticultural Society Realisation of Client s Brief: Clarity, Delivery 11. Ambition: Atmosphere, Flair, Originality, Impact, Theatre 12. Overall Impression: Attention to detail Choice of materials, Polish & Dressing 13. Concept, Message, Theme: What is the big idea? Is it well-delivered? 14. Design, layout plan of garden: Dimensions, Scale, Unity 15. Design, 3D and spatial composition: Scale, Mass & Void, Volume, Balance 16. Construction: Quality of Build & Finish 17. Planting design: Visual impact, Colour, Texture, Form, Composition 18. Planting associations & implementation: Relevance, Cultural requirements, Sustainability & Quality, Health, Density Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Poor(1) Unsatisfactory (0) First-rate and clear realisation of brief with no apparent discrepancies between brief and completed garden Excellent degree of ambition with no apparent issues Excellent overall impression with no apparent issues of attention to detail Excellent realisation. All elements of the garden clearly communicate the concept, message, theme Excellent layout plan of garden, no apparent flaws Excellent spatial balance and scale, with no apparent issues Excellent build quality and finish demonstrating craftsmanship, flair and skill with no apparent fault in construction Excellent planting design with no apparent errors in composition Excellent planting associations with no apparent inaccuracies in plant selection. Excellent quality plants with no imperfections and appropriate density for design intentions Strong realisation of brief with minor discrepancies between brief and completed garden Very high degree of ambition with minor issues Very good overall impression with minor weak areas lacking attention to detail Effective realisation. Majority of elements communicate the concept, message, theme but not all, minor confusion Very good layout plan with some minor flaws Very good spatial balance and scale, with minor issues Very good build quality and finish with minor faults in construction that reflect in the aesthetic finish to work Very good planting design with minor errors in composition Very good planting associations with, minor inaccuracies in plant selection. Very good quality plants with few imperfections and mainly appropriate density for design intentions Clear realisation of brief with some discrepancies between brief and completed garden Adequate degree of ambition with some noticeable issues Favourable overall impression with some noticeable weak areas requiring attention to detail Coherent realisation. Elements generally communicate the concept, message, theme, but with some noticeably weak or confusing elements Good layout plan with some noticeable flaws Largely acceptable spatial balance and scale, but with some noticeable issues A generally good finish in build quality with some construction faults that could be improved to enhance the finish Good planting design with some noticeable errors in composition Good planting associations with some noticeable inaccuracies in plant selection. Good quality plants with some minor imperfections and/or some inconsistency in density for design intentions Ambiguous realisation of brief with some significant discrepancies between brief and completed garden Underlying degree of ambition but with some significant issues Weak overall impression with significant areas requiring greater attention to detail Minimal realisation. Elements lack clarity, only communicate the concept, message, theme minimally. Significant confusion Weak layout plan with some significant flaws Weak spatial balance and scale, with some significant issues Variable build quality and finish across garden with notable faults in the construction detail Sufficient planting design with some significant errors in composition Weak planting associations with significant inaccuracies in plant selection. Generally undersized plants of insufficient quality and/or quantity for design intentions Limited realisation of brief to completed garden No, or very little evidence of ambition Low overall impression with little evidence of any attention to detail No apparent realisation. Elements do not communicate the concept, message, theme Major flaws with layout plan Major design issues of spatial balance and scale Substandard build quality and finish across the garden with numerous faults in tolerance and construction detail Little or no tangible evidence of planting design, lacks composition Arbitrary associations with major inaccuracies in plant selection. Inferior plants inadequate for purpose. Unsatisfactory on all counts. Medal Gold Silver-Gilt Silver Bronze No Award Points (36-28) (27-23) (22-19) (18-15) (14 0) Correct at time of print, subject to review and amendment.

19 Amplification of Conceptual Garden Judging Criteria Criteria 1 Realisation of Client s Brief: Clarity, Delivery Does the completed garden reflect and support the design intentions as stated in the Client s Briefs THINK: Happy client Criteria 2 Ambition: Atmosphere, Flair, Originality, Impact, Theatre The garden could have any one, or a combination of the attributes listed. THINK: Showmanship Criteria 3 Overall Impression: Attention to detail, Choice of Materials, Polish & Dressing Does the garden work as a whole? How relevant and aesthetically pleasing are the choice of materials and the dressing of the garden? THINK: Furnished, dressed Criteria 4 Concept, Message, Theme: What is the big idea? Is it well delivered? Do all elements of the garden support the design intentions? Do the elements selected deliver the concept/message/theme of the garden? THINK: Is the big idea easy to decipher? Criteria 5 Design, layout plan of garden: Dimensions, Scale, Unity, Does the garden function in 2D? Do the spaces work for their supposed purposes? THINK: Comfortable, cohesive space Criteria 6 Design, 3D and spatial composition: Scale, Mass & Void, Volume, Balance Does the design work as a whole? THINK: Human scale Criteria 7 Construction: Quality of Build & Finish Finish refers to the quality of construction; for example in the width of the joints in the paving, the finish of a rendered edge. It does not refer to the overall completion of the garden. What standard of construction is evident in the completed garden? THINK: Craftsmanship Criteria 8 Planting design: Visual Impact, Colour, Texture, Form, Composition Do the visual elements of the planting work together? What visual impact is there? THINK: Overall picture Criteria 9 Planting associations & implementation: Relevance, Cultural requirements, Sustainability and Quality, Health, Density Will the selected plants live and survive together? Are the selected plants healthy and of suitable size? Is the planting density appropriate to the character & atmosphere as stated in the Client s Brief? Is it believable? THINK: Correct horticultural plant associations for design intentions and appropriate horticultural practice for design intentions

20 TERMS & CONDITIONS In these regulations, the following words shall have the meaning ascribed to them below: Public shall mean and include members of the general public, members of the Society, officers of the Society, exhibitors, their employees, contractors, agents and all other persons attending the Show. Exhibitor shall mean and include any person, business or company or other body making an application for space in accordance with these Regulations. Where the context so admits, references in these Regulations to the singular shall include the plural. Where more than one person, business, company or body is understood by the term exhibitor, any liability imposed on the exhibitor by these Regulations shall be a joint and several liability on those people s businesses, companies and bodies. Acceptance of entries The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) adopts a good faith approach in assessing all applications for space and subsequently in monitoring the conduct and standard of exhibitors to whom space is allocated. However, whilst every effort is made to allocate space to exhibitors whom the Society regards as appropriate to the Show, matters may come to the attention of the Society after allocation which either they were not aware of at the time space was allocated to the particular exhibitor, or which have arisen since the time that space was allocated. Accordingly, after acceptance and up to the Show, the Society reserves the right to cancel or amend any allocation of space if it considers the attendance of an exhibitor at the Show will be prejudicial to the interests of the general public, members of the Society or the good name of the Society. The RHS reserves, without limitation, the right to remove or alter exhibits and to refuse any application for space and in the event of any such refusal it is not required to give an explanation. Acceptance of Regulations by exhibitors Application for space by the exhibitor and/or the acceptance of space offered shall mean that the exhibitor agrees to observe and conform to the Rules and Regulations of the Show and to abide by the decisions of the Society in connection with the Show. It will be the responsibility of the exhibitor to ensure that contractors and any third party involved with their exhibit on site comply with these regulations. Applications for space Any person or organisation may apply for space to stage an exhibit at the Show. Applications must be made on the official application form. Forms and Regulations for each section are available from the RHS Shows Department. The return deadlines are printed on the application forms. Applications received after the deadline that are of a sufficiently high standard may be placed on a waiting list. The RHS reserves the right to deny space at the Show to any exhibitor who has consistently failed to provide a high standard and quality of goods or services sold through the Show, or who has failed to adhere to the RHS regulations. The RHS may at its discretion pass information to other exhibition organisers concerning the conduct of such exhibitors. Cancellation of space Exhibitors who have been allocated space but subsequently find that they are unable to exhibit must notify the Show Manager as soon as possible in writing. Exhibitors who cancel late or who neglect to send any notification may not be allocated space at subsequent RHS Shows. The RHS reserves the right to recover its reasonable expenses when exhibits are cancelled. Exhibitors liability & need for insurance a. The exhibitor shall indemnify the RHS against and from any claim, damage, loss or expense in respect of personal injury, damage to property or any loss (whether caused by negligence or not) which may arise out of or is connected with or in consequences of the carrying out, completion or maintenance of the work, or which may arise from a breach by the exhibitor, their servants or agents (whether or not in the course of their employment or any of the provisions) of this document, provided nothing herein shall impose any liability upon the exhibitor for negligence on the part of the RHS or its servants or agents.

21 b. The exhibitor shall be liable for loss of, or damage to the workplace (which shall include work executed and all material intended for, delivered to a place on or near to the workplace) from any cause whatsoever. c. The exhibitor shall insure their liabilities under clauses (a) and (b) above by the provision of the appropriate insurance below: Public and Products Liability Insurance for a minimum of 3 million (For certain larger scale stands a minimum of 5 million may be required) Employers Liability Insurance (where the exhibitor has employees who are paid on PAYE working at the show) A copy of your insurance must be sent in with your Health and Safety Form 1 (to be supplied at a later date). d. In connection with clause (c) above, the RHS s Insurers may request details of such insurances. RHS Liabilities The RHS carries third party insurance cover in respect of any such claim through its liability or negligence during the show including the build-up and breakdown periods. Show cancellation and force majeure If the Show is not held, or if the completion of the stand contractor s work is not completed through causes beyond the control of the RHS, then the allocation of space will be deemed to be null and void and a refund will only be made from monies paid direct to the Society. If the Show is partially closed through causes beyond the control of the RHS, no refunds will be made of monies paid directly to the RHS. You are strongly urged to take out insurance to cover the possibility that the Show may be cancelled in accordance with this provision. All information correct as of June 2017 and subject to change.

22 CONTACTS Garden Development Katherine Potsides Clare Greene Rose Gore Browne Show Manager Deputy Show Manager Deputy Show Manager Tel: Tel: Tel: Application form, contact details, working access passes Exhibitor Services Tel: Technical details, operations and health and safety Jade Swain Cody Gibson Operations Manager Deputy Operations Manager Tel: Tel: Press Office Marketing Office Accounts Office Shows Health & Safety Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Fax: From January 2018