Jo Thompson Wedgwood Garden scoops silver at the Chelsea Flower Show

Jo Thompson's show garden design for Wedgwood has been awarded a Silver Gilt medal at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The stunning arched design celebrates Wedgwood's 260th anniversary and takes inspiration from Etruria – Josiah Wedgwood's pioneering Staffordshire factory town. 

While the classical arches that echo the original factory design are the garden's most striking feature, its overall effect also depends on an intricate network of water features, which references the importance of watercourses and canals to Wedgwood's pottery production. Thompson has blended Classicism and Modernism in this space, creating a garden that's both evocative of industrial history and is distinctively contemporary.

Speaking of the garden’s medal announcement, Jo says, 'I’m so pleased with this year’s results. It has been an absolute pleasure working on this garden as it was such a great story to tell. I have really enjoyed developing such a calm and contemplative space surrounded by planting that is so evocative of the art of Etruria, which was the inspiration for the village that Josiah Wedgwood created for his workforce. 

'This is my 10th year at Chelsea and each year is so very different depending on the story I am telling. What delights me most is the response from visitors to the gardens and this year I have been thrilled with the comments and reactions I have received. 

'It has been wonderful to collaborate with Wedgwood once again, particularly on such a momentous garden, marking anniversaries for both myself and Wedgwood. This is a very significant year for us both, and winning a Silver Gilt medal at Chelsea makes it even more special.'

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