About the project

Investment manager M&G commissioned leading designer Andy Sturgeon to create its Show Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019. The garden featured pioneer species from around the world – many making their Chelsea debut – that thrive in the British climate.

We’ve worked with Andy on many of his Chelsea gardens, so we were delighted when he approached us to design and make the structural steelwork for his central water feature. This comprised a series of walls made from oak beams, the largest weighing three tonnes, with water flowing through from one level to the next through metal outlet pipes.

To support the beams, which were carved with a chainsaw, fire-blackened and fitted with hidden lifting-eye holes, we designed and fabricated 28 posts in hot-dipped galvanised box-section mild steel, in a range of lengths up to two metres. Each post is completely concealed within the beam, and set on a base plate with an angled bracing piece.

This was a classic example of how our specialist engineering, design and fabrication skills can help bring a designer’s ideas to life. Although our work is almost entirely invisible, it is fundamental to the garden’s structural integrity and overall feasibility. We were therefore delighted when Andy won both a Gold Medal (his eighth) and his third Best Show Garden award for this fantastic project; it was a pleasure and privilege to be involved.

About the project

Investment manager M&G commissioned leading designer Andy Sturgeon to create its Show Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019. The garden featured pioneer species from around the world – many making their Chelsea debut – that thrive in the British climate.

We’ve worked with Andy on many of his Chelsea gardens, so we were delighted when he approached us to design and make the structural steelwork for his central water feature. This comprised a series of walls made from oak beams, the largest weighing three tonnes, with water flowing through from one level to the next through metal outlet pipes.

To support the beams, which were carved with a chainsaw, fire-blackened and fitted with hidden lifting-eye holes, we designed and fabricated 28 posts in hot-dipped galvanised box-section mild steel, in a range of lengths up to two metres. Each post is completely concealed within the beam, and set on a base plate with an angled bracing piece.

This was a classic example of how our specialist engineering, design and fabrication skills can help bring a designer’s ideas to life. Although our work is almost entirely invisible, it is fundamental to the garden’s structural integrity and overall feasibility. We were therefore delighted when Andy won both a Gold Medal (his eighth) and his third Best Show Garden award for this fantastic project; it was a pleasure and privilege to be involved.