RHS Silver Medal win for Congleton garden designer

Congleton shows that it is a winner again, with a silver medal going to local garden designer Mary Moxon. Mary was the Project Manager for a back-to back-garden at this year’s show at Tatton Park, 24th July. The garden, entitled ‘The Psalm’ was designed by Building Design Partnerships for Chester Cathedral and was one of five gardens representing Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction. Mary selected the planting for the garden and was directly involved with the construction.

“It’s a great thrill,” says Mary, “to be recognized at such a prestigious event. Gardens are such an important part of our lives, so it was great to have so many people saying how much they loved the psalm.”

The Psalm

The theme of The Psalm was a musical and spiritual journey of ascension. Podiums and stepping stones through the garden represented places for rest and contemplation as well as signifying short and deliberate steps towards heaven.  Water, beneath the podium inscribed with the opening line to Psalm 96, was intended to bring the heavens down to earth.

Musical manuscript inspired the boundary treatment of the garden whilst musical composition influenced the planting concept.  Box balls and low growing sedum represented the beat and the rhythm, elegant floral planting represented the melody and soft textured grasses represented the harmony. The focal feature was a cloud-pruned conifer which represented the dynamics of the musical composition and served as a prayer tree for people to attach their prayers.

Mary Moxon

Mary offers a personal garden design service with specific emphasis on planting; new planting ideas for ‘tired’ borders, planting plans for new borders and new gardens. With RHS training in horticulture to Diploma Level, Mary is able to advise on plant care and maintenance, plant selection and sourcing.  Also, with a Professional Diploma in Garden Design, Mary is able to provide plans for new garden layouts and manage their implementation.

Mary has been based in Congleton for 24 years having been employed as a scientist with ICI and more recently Syngenta.  An opportunity for career change has allowed Mary to retrain and develop a business in garden design. Her recent success and silver medal at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has provided a significant boost for business.