RHS Chelsea Flower Show Collaboration with Dawn Conn Sculpture, May 2026Under Southern Skies
Designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, Under Southern Skies was a collaboration alongside sculptor Dawn Conn. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Aotearoa, the garden was conceived as an immersive sanctuary that celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of New Zealand's natural environment within a small garden setting.
The garden was designed as a living framework for Dawn's sculptures, with the planting and material palette carefully composed to support and enhance the artwork rather than compete with it. Naturalistic planting was layered to create depth, movement and seasonal interest, with a carefully curated palette of grasses, perennials and structural plants selected for their texture, form and ability to evoke a sense of place. The use of blackened timber, corten steel and natural stone introduced a rich yet restrained material palette that complemented the planting and provided a subtle backdrop for the sculptures, allowing the relationship between art and garden to unfold naturally.
Despite its modest scale, the design sought to capture the expansive character of New Zealand's landscapes through thoughtful spatial composition, contrasting textures and a seamless integration of planting, sculpture and natural materials. Presented at one of the world's most prestigious horticultural events, Under Southern Skies celebrated the power of small gardens to create meaningful, immersive and memorable experiences.
