With a whole crop of fresh ideas, what could be better than a visit to Corker Outdoor Living in Paddock Wood to see their new show gardens. SO’s gardening guru Tim Sykes of Garden Proud gets an exclusive look…
On Saturday April 29, from 10am to 4pm, garden landscaping specialists Corker Outdoor Living, who are based near Paddock Wood, will host a special event unveiling their new and impressive show gardens.
The family-run business has also invited each garden’s designer along so visitors can have a chat as they wander around the new crop of stunning gardens. Coffee, cakes and drinks will all be served and there will also be 10% off all materials purchased on the day.
The mastermind behind the show gardens event is Oliver Corkery, Managing Director at Corker Outdoor Living.
“Since launching the original show garden concept back in 2017 we have been amazed at the way the gardens have helped inspire our customers and generate business for our designers, landscapers and of course Corker Outdoor Living.
“Perhaps one of the most important benefits to Corker has been the way the gardens have been a catalyst to creating a community of individuals and businesses that work and grow together,” says Oliver who co-runs the Corker business with his father Mick and mother Alice.
It’s true to say the experience of being in lockdown at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 made many more people appreciate their gardens – especially as the weather was so good!
In my opinion the garden, no matter how big or small, helps us find that all important time and space to reflect and take a breath. Therefore it is really important we all get all the elements of our alfresco oasis right and there is every chance of doing just that at Corker Outdoor Living.
Having had a sneak peek at the new designs, I can reveal the show gardens for 2023 at Corker are truly inspirational. They will provide visitors with a wide spectrum of ideas that utilise many of the materials and resources that are readily available.
“As well as this, Corker’s designers and landscapers also have access to a whole plethora of tree and plant nurseries, and associated trades including swimming pool contractors, garden building fabricators, electricians and plumbers, so they can provide you with a truly comprehensive solution,” adds Oliver.
“Here we are only able to give you a small glimpse at the creativity and professionalism that goes into creating the show gardens,” he continues.
“I’d just like to say a big thank you to all the very special people who have supported our initiative from the very start. They include Mike from All Your Garden Needs, Sam at Beetlestone, Cameron from Cameron Trend Design, David of Cat & Mouse Landscapes, Barry from English Gardens, Jake at Fairdeck, Kane from Fairweather Construction, Jack at Your Garden Creations, George from Gardenproud, Amanda and Becca at Hopkins & Nash, Karen from Karen McClure Garden Design, Jamie at Kentish, Marlene from Marlene Lento Garden Design, Paul from Paul Woods Landscaping, Matt at Praesto Landscapes, Ryan from RTW Landscapes, Camellia at The Garden Taylor, Tim from Wealden Country Landscapes, and of course Will from Will Buss Landscaping.”
So how did each of the new show gardens come about? Well each of the designers were tasked with creating an innovative garden in a very small space (just 4.8m x 5m) so the grey matter had to work overtime to provide a solution that works and also communicates key attributes of each designer and their landscape construction team.
“Remember that these gardens are even smaller than the Artisan Gardens featured at the Chelsea Flower Show each year so you have to stay focused,” states Oliver.
“Having a strong theme or concentrating on a particular feature of a garden are good starting points. Many clients find it difficult to visualise how much of an impact an intelligently designed garden can improve their appreciation of their garden and indeed home life. Corker have helped enormously by providing a platform for all of us to demonstrate the transition from concept to reality.”
For further information about the event, or help with your garden design contact Oliver on 01892-833325, or see Corker Outdoor Living at www.corker.co.uk
