29.06.07
Eden takes a Cornish Oasis to Hampton Court, July 2-8

The Eden Project will be raising a glass to all that is best in plants
from Cornwall with the "I'll Drink to That" garden at Hampton Court
Flower Show next week.

The show, from July 2-8, marks the official launch of Eden's exciting
new online plant shop CornishOasis.com, a virtual paradise featuring
more than 150 exotic and traditional plants.

Visitors to Eden's garden at Hampton Court will be able to see and buy
many plants from the range, including palms, spikies and succulents,
specially supplied by leading Cornish nurseries who have signed up to
CornishOasis.com.

The garden has been prepared using recycled and sustainable products by
Eden's Landscape Construction Manager Paul Stone, who has built many
award-winning show gardens and won four previous gold medals at Hampton
Court and two at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

CornishOasis.com has been received Objective One investment through Cornish Horticulture Enterprises Ltd.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "It has taken many years of ground breaking work to develop the Eden Supply Chain and create the CornishOasis Project. Together they provide a perfect partnership to develop new markets both nationally and globally for Cornwall's distinctive quality plants. Congratulations to all involved."

It is aptly named as all its plants are sourced from growers in
Cornwall, a county famed for its luscious gardens, outstanding growing
conditions and, of course, the Eden Project, a truly global garden which
has attracted more than eight million visitors since opening in 2001.

Camilla Marsh, CornishOasis Project Manager said: "Our garden at Hampton
Court will be a fabulous showcase for the best of plants from Cornwall
and a great way to launch CornishOasis to the wider world. The website
allows anyone to buy from this great range through the internet.

"We have an abundance of plants to choose from when selecting plants
from the Cornish nurseries. These nurseries are like Aladdin's caves
with all sorts of treasures waiting to be found."

There will be a strong focus on environmental sustainability as many of
the plants on show were deliberately chosen because they don't need a
lot of water.

Camilla Marsh said: "CornishOasis plants are ideally suited for
changing climate patterns. Many do well in warmer climates and are used
to growing in coastal locations so they're well adapted to wind too.

"CornishOasis.com is focussed on enthusing everybody about gardening and
the positive social benefits from having a great outdoor space to enjoy
and spend time in. Our show garden for Hampton Court is designed as an
interesting and fun experience, the model of a social space where the
whole family can spend time and relax."

Eden acknowledges that CornishOasis could not be a success without the
great support and advice of a number of top nurseries.

Camilla Marsh said: "We have worked closely with Trevena Cross Nursery,
Trewithen Nursery, Rosewarne Nursery, Greenfield Plants, Old Withy
Garden Nursery, The Cornish Rose Company, Millennium Plants and
Tregothnan Estate.

"We have benefited in particular from the advice and inspiration from
two garden designers in Cornwall plants consultant Isobel Elsey of
Idesign visits each nursery once a week to select a range of their best
plants for the website. Chris Greene of CG Garden Design has also
been key to the initial development of the site."

All of the nurseries have played an essential role in the build up to
Hampton Court.

Camilla added: "Special thanks to Trevena Cross who have supplied the
majority of plants for our Hampton Court Garden and have valuable
experience as exhibitors at flower shows. We have greatly benefited
from their help, advice and support ."

The garden is designed to be enjoyed by all and Eden has been working
with the Sensory Trust who promote an inclusive approach to design and
management of ourdoor spaces.

Eden and CornishOasis has combined with the Australian wine brand
Banrock Station to create the garden for Hampton Court and visitors will
be able to sample Banrock wines and also learn about the company's own
approach to environmentally responsible gardening.

The "I'll Drink to That" garden is based on the same principles as the
Banrock Station garden at the Eden Project which is now nearing
completion just outside Eden's world-famous Rainforest and Mediterranean
Biomes.

This-garden-in-progress will also feature CornishOasis plants. The
web-based marketplace is looking to expand still further.

Camilla Marsh said: "We are working to build relationships with
growers in Cornwall, and are encouraging growers to contact us if they
are interested in supplying us with a range of plants."

Interested parties should contact Luke Stevens at Eden, e-mail:
lstevens@edenproject.com.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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