Chelsea
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The Landscape Institute returned to RHS Chelsea to kick off its anniversary celebrations. The Landscape Institute (LI) formed in 1929 at what is now the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For nine decades, the organisation has supported its members through often seismic environmental, social and economic changes, to which it has also had to adapt. Fittingly, LI returned to RHS Chelsea on Friday 24 May
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to mark this important milestone. Landscape leaders past and present joined with partners and collaborators from across the built and natural environment. The LI also welcomed senior members from the Norwegian Landscape Association, who share the LI’s landmark 90th anniversary. The event took place on Main Avenue in the RHS Back to Nature Garden. Co-designed by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge with landscape
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architects Andrèe Davies and Adam White PLI. The garden aims to connect communities with nature and promote the health benefits of spending time outdoors. ‘During its lifetime the LI has seen many changes in the world,’ Adam said. ‘Each decade has seen great social change, from the aftermath of the First World War, the creation of the first council housing and the growth of the suburbs to the creation of the welfare state, new towns, the impact of major planning legislation and the growing awareness of climate change. ‘That’s why it’s important we look back at the previous nine decades. Many of these changes have affected not only how we live our lives, how we work, where we go to school and how we stay healthy, but also on the way we design, plan and manage our landscapes. ‘But while it’s important for us to look back and celebrate the great strides we have made; we need to remember that we live in challenging times. We’re facing rapid change to our natural environment, increased urbanisation and the mounting pressures of living in the heart of a modern city. That’s why LI90 will also be about looking to the future, and examining how in particular our profession can help meet the needs of our changing world.’
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1. Andree Davies and Adam White explain the design of the Back to Nature Garden at Chelsea. © Nick Harrison
2. Arit Anderson, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter talked about the way in which Chelsea had become ‘greener’ this year. © Nick Harrison
3. Johanna Gibbons talked about her inspiring meeting with Sylvia Crowe. 4. Adam White FLI and Hal Moggridge cut the #LI90 birthday cake! © Nick Harrison
