Night sky inspires garden vision

A horticulturalist inspired by astronomer Sir Patrick Moore has turned a corner of the Chelsea Flower Show into an area for nocturnal gardening.

Barry Mayled's rooftop garden is inspired by BBC's long-running Sky at Night programme and features a mini-observatory and illuminations.

It won a gold award in the show's urban garden category.

Mr Mayled, of Penarth, Vale of Glamrogan, said it showed what could be done with flatbed roofs.

They were joined at the unveiling of the garden by the programme's veteran presenter Sir Patrick Moore, weather presenter Sian Lloyd and Queen guitarist Brian May, a keen astronomer.

The annual horticulture show at Chelsea opened to the public on Tuesday and 160,000 visitors are expected.

Mr Mayled, who has been a medal winner four times at Chelsea, said he hopes people will see what can be done with a 'waste-of-space' flat rooftop.

The rooftop garden includes special features aimed at the astronomer Enlarge Image

The Sky At Night garden has a sliding roof and an optical telescope, flower beds, rocket-shaped conifers and stars created by computer-controlled lighting set into a plant-covered wall.

It includes a table with rotating star charts, a small pool with a stainless steel waterfall and a black granite floor with an etched, celestial theme.

He said: "There are 20,000 hectares of flat roofs in this country which are not used and they cause a great deal of water run-off.

"If you were to green them and use them as outdoor spaces we will help the environment a great deal and to create such wonderful areas to enjoy the sky," he said.

He added: "They can offer a haven of peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle.

"Mankind's never-ending fascination with the stars is the inspiration behind this garden - my wife and I are fans of the BBC's long-running show The Sky at Night which has boosted interest in astronomy and the universe in general.

"While serious star-gazers usually head for the hills where the skies might be clearer, there is still plenty to see on many nights in an urban area with an inexpensive telescope and some basic knowledge of the heavens.

Sir Patrick Moore enjoying the displays at Chelsea

"This is a fun, environmentally-friendly design concept - a rooftop garden which softens a harsh environment while allowing occupants to explore the wonders of the night sky," said Mr Mayled.

He is not the only Welsh winner of a coveted gold medal at the show.

North Wales nursery Dibley's, near Ruthin picked up a 19th gold in 20 years. The same accolade went to the Roualeyn nursery at Trefriw in the Conwy Valley for its display of fuchsias.

Penhow nursery in Magor also won gold and Cardiff council's display called Cardiff, Capital for Sport, was given the silver Flora award.

The show, in the grounds of London's Royal Hospital, runs from 20-24 May.

As the professionals show off their talents at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show, we want you to send us photos of your garden.

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