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Garden inspired by Eric Morecambe showing at Chelsea

Emma StanleyNorth West
Eden Project Morecambe A CGI image of the site shows a large glass dome to the left next to a smaller one in the distance near the sea. To the front are extensive landscaped gardens with pathwaysEden Project Morecambe
After the show, the garden will be permanently relocated to form part of a 1.5-acre public community garden in Morecambe

A garden inspired by comedian Eric Morecambe and the coastline of his home town is being showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show after being designed with the help of young people.

The Bring Me Sunshine Garden is a nod to the late comedian - who would have turned 100 this month - and the coastal landscapes, seaside heritage and communities of Morecambe Bay in Lancashire.

It has been created with the help of a skills scheme in the town, which aims to help young adults not in employment or education.

Once the show this week has finished, there are plans to permanently relocate the garden from London so it can become a community hub and the gateway to Eden Project Morecambe, set to open in 2028.

Close up of Eric Morecambe with his arms around Ernie Wise giving him a big hug. Both are smiling, Eric is wearing a blue suit, has receding dark hair and dark-framed glasses. Ernie is in a brown suit and has short white hair
The garden's name is a nod to the late comedian Eric Morecambe (left, pictured with comedy partner Ernie Wise) who came from the town

Described as a "global garden", the attraction is set to overlook Morecambe Bay and become a sister site to the original Eden Project, near St Austell, Cornwall.

At the garden's centre sits a solar-powered, shell-shaped canopy beneath which young people can learn horticulture, foraging, crafts and digital skills.

Garden designer, Harry Holding, said: "Throughout the whole process we've been working with different community groups and about 20 young adults from Morecambe who are looking to develop skills in horticulture, crafts, arts and media."

He said the mussel-shaped canopy was "a space to bring that learning outside where you can connect with nature and all the plants around you".

At the garden's centre sits a solar-powered shell-shaped canopy with a metal round roof and large struts holding it up. It is surrounded by greenery
At the garden's centre sits a solar-powered shell-shaped canopy

The sustainable garden includes Austrian pine trees for structure and scale, while sea buckthorn and green olive aim to add sculptural interest.

Work to install the garden in Morecambe will follow Chelsea, which is taking place from Tuesday to Saturday, with plans to officially open it to the public in 2027, ahead of Eden Project Morecambe's full opening the following year.

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