Help Xenia get to Hampton Court

Who am I?

I’m Xenia (@xenia.gardens) and have been studying a RHS diploma in Horticulture while on maternity leave. My career to date has been in furniture and interior design, where I exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and worked for Terence Conran. In 2014 I was featured in CRAFTS Magazine with my willow boat...

I’ve been looking to move into Horticulture for a few years, and now work as a gardener. Working in the garden has been a stabilising force throughout my life, and has only become more meaningful now I think about the world I want the next generation to grow up in. 

What's happening?

My design 'Firedance' has been accepted for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this July! It's a 10sqm plot within their Sensory Gardens - a new, unjudged category for beginner designers. It's going to be a sensory delight for adults, children, and insects alike. It features a 'willow wave' inspired by my experience weaving my boats, and the beauty of willow as a natural, practical material.

I would love the opportunity to share my passion for horticulture and kickstart my new career alongside the biggest names in the business at the world's largest flower show.

What am I asking for / offering?

I'm crowdfunding by offering rewards that apply my horticulture qualification, so I can help your gardens flourish, including: 

• Soil tests so you know which plants will do best in your plot, 
• Bespoke garden health plans, with instructions and YouTube videos which can be followed annually to avoid problems and help your garden thrive (example below),
• Garden maintenance services to help get you on your way!

You can also donate cash with no reward, if you prefer. 

Examples of Garden Health Plan and Soil Test.

Why Crowdfunding?

After finding out I've been accepted just over a month ago, I now have 6 weeks until show set-up begins. After speaking with potential sponsors, they've said it's too short notice to move money around or get a return on investment, which is why I'm asking for a bit of help.

What's next?

I'm working with the largest supplier of Chelsea to source my plants, and for my 'willow wave' I've got the renowned Musgrove Willows on board. My truly wonderful classmates from Capel Manor College have volunteered to help me build my design.

I'll have 4 days to build my plot which includes 300 plants and willow structures up to 2 metres tall. It'll then be on display at the Flower Show for 6 days, after which the plants will go to Crowdfunders and local community gardens.

I've been working as a gardener for a couple of companies. This is on hold whilst I prepare for Hampton Court. Once the show has passed, I'll be going back to that!

A note on rewards

• If you'd like a London based reward, but aren't in London, drop me a message and we can figure something out :)
• Please note the difference between making a donation and paying for a reward! If you'd like a reward, you need to select it.
• Rewards will be processed before 14/08/2023 or sooner if possible.
• For soil tests, you will need to cover the cost of posting the soil sample (approx 2 grams) this can be in a normal envelope, 2nd class. Unless of course I'm coming to you with a plant delivery / site visit. The price of the reward has been reduced to take this into account.