October 2004
Thursday 7th
First '2005' team meeting at 4head's headquarters. We have decided to continue the now established tradition of monthly meetings with all those concerned. Kevin joined the meeting for the first time and having gone through the agenda, from plants to PR, he commented that he had never realised just how much other work went into the 'construction' of a Chelsea Garden. It was great to see everyone, some of whom were looking at the Garden pictures for the first time. Everyone seems excited by the concept.
We have spent weeks and weeks discussing a name for the Garden. Initially we were going to call it 'Natural Breakthrough'. This seemingly perfect name was a reflection of the source of inspiration for the design - Nature breaking through into our man made orderly existence, and it also perfectly described the 4head product. However, the rules that govern the sale of pharmaceutical products in the UK prevent use of the word 'Breakthrough' if the product is over a year old. I can't believe that red tape can even extend to the name of the Garden at Chelsea. In any event, after much thought, we have decided to call the Garden simply 'The 4head Garden'. The PR people seem very happy with this from a sponsorship perspective, so that's one problem solved.
Tuesday 19th
Phil has started work on the watercolour for the Garden. It's a bit difficult, with him being in Sweden at the moment, as we need to keep sending plant references and colours, etc, out to him. It will be interested to see the final painting when he comes back early in November.
Monday 25th
I receive notification from the RHS that we have been awarded a site on the Rockgarden Bank, right at the far end in front of the BBC tower. The only comment that the panel made was that they felt it was important that the plants in the garden were 'adequately sized'. Fortunately the Olive trees and shrubs I have selected for the Garden are absolutely enormous and come in 750 litre pots. I think they will be 'adequate'.
