Project Blog

Posted on 24-May-2005 by Johnny

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"The big build up" Wow! What a mind blowing experience. This morning everyone had some serious butterflies in their stomaches due to the anticipation of winning a medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. Strolling into the show with a film crew in front of us was an experience out of this world - one I will never forget. Looking at everyones facial expressions was fantastic. I think everyone had a wee tear in their eye after seeing the notice board that had a Gold medal on it. There were lots of hugs and handshakes all round. We weren't organised this morning for celebratory drinks but Wes sent us out to purchase some Green Point champagne that was very much enjoyed. It was a long day on our feet handing out pamphlets and chatting to the public, getting responses about my hairdo, and of course the garden. There were a lot of positive responses to the planting and the design of the garden. I am priveleged to be here constructing at Chelsea Flower Show. I'd like to thank Fleming's Nurseries and TLC for giving me the opportunity to be here and to represent Australia in landscaping. Full credit to Jack's design. I really enjoyed working with the team. Well done guys.

Posted on 23-May-2005 by Benny

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After a late start by most (the team was very lucky) only a select few, Don, Dawn and Johnny, were dedicated enough on the final day to provide detailed finishes to the garden. Upon their arrival our stainless steel balastrading (installed late in the dark hours of Saturday) appeared to be destroyed by something, someone ... who knows? Must have been the fox we have spotted skipping around every morning! Shortly after the rest of the crew arrived (including me... got six and a half hours sleep, only by mistake) all the action began. Models dressed in bikinis, selected by our own fearless leader Wes, arrived mid morning to apparently swim in our pool (very cold!). It was a huge hit with the media, unbelievable more like it, the place was chockers, even the boys couldn't squeeze in for a photo. The press was flowing through the garden all day and it was fantastic to see such a positive response from the every day people. We are just hoping that the judges have the same perceptions (even though they looked quite old!). It was great to see the looks on peoples faces when they come across a bunch of landscapers wearing fancy orange shirts. Great to hear their views on the garden also ... 95% positive! All the crew were very excited to be on their way home by 4:30, the earliest finish since we arrived! Good night to all.

Posted on 21-May-2005 by Benny

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We missed yesterday as we worked so late, so I am is going to try and pick up the highlights of yesterday and today. Both nights have been late. It is currently 12.45am and I am sitting here writing about work. There are still some more finishing touches to go. Details have all been looked at very thoroughly. Yesterday gave the garden a big lift with thorough cleaning, more painting, plants and turf, gladly the boys managed to get it green side up. Poxy weather made it hard for all. Painting, sealing and sanding was needed but was put on hold due to the England's hatred against the Aussies. It is great to see the support from everyone else involved in the Chelsea Flower Show compared to other show events that we have been involved in. Other contractors are very helpful when we are in desperate need of sand, cement and hard hats. It's been frustrating that everything has been so thoroughly scrutinised, but the boys have been dedicated enough to go without food and sleep to ensure satisfactory completion of the project. The major challenge I have found personally has been living as well as working with workmates and dealing with our garden being shipped 17000 miles in pieces then arriving in Chelsea and then having to assemble a complicated Lego set in the torrential down pour. Hi Mum! Hope everything is well at home in the land of Oz. Goodnight, Benny 1.20 am

Posted on 19-May-2005 by Brent

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The trying conditions: As expected the rain was always going to come. Whether it was sooner or later the poms have been telling us tells us it was always going to come. Today was that day. Timing couldn't have been any worse for our show piece. Two people painting the steel fascias, two people staining the deck and the heavens opened up. Panic. Panic. Panic. Our deck was turning into a wreck. Project manager Scotty was explaining how to overcome the situation but because or bodies and minds are only ticking at 35% due to lack of sleep I just kept saying "I don't understand". One positive that came from the torrential rain was the fact that the all of the plants were in and Ross' day got shortened by 2 hours (because he didn't have to water). An unusual occurrance which made our team bond closer was Liz and Dees happy faces at 7pm when they bought down hot pies, pasties and sausage rolls. It's amazing how anything related to footy makes blokes go back to being little boys. My experience here so far has been very physically and mentally challenging. I have helped to create something which looks amazing on paper but unrealistic to build. I am very blessed with the opportunity Fleming's and Scott have given me, one which will never be forgotten and probably never repeated ever again. It never really sunk in just how rare and special this journey has been until the other night at the Australian High Commission when I found myself circling the high profiles and explaining how we are building our garden. For a split second I felt like the garden was mine to share with everyone else. I felt proud. The only really down side to this time away is the obvious - my beautiful wife of six months, my great family and the Essendon Football Club. I've been logging on daily to email Rin, watch footy highlights and look at myself (and how my hair is going) on the Float website.

Posted on 18-May-2005 by Simo

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As of today the final touches are beginning. The walls have been painted, even though Johnny has to fix the render up to 4 times each day. Brendan is happy to see the majority of the deck done, even though I had to carry him through the day. It was great to see Scotty complete a task of his own – the stepping stone looks great. Overall, we have been lucky with the weather. The days have been long but it is great to see everyone pushing through – great dedication by the boys. It is really enjoyable to have seen the garden coming out of the ground and now not far from completion.