Cumbrian slate saw gold award success at Chelsea Flower Show over the weekend.
Burlington Stones’ Brandy Crag slate took centre stage in the Boodles Raindance Garden, which was awarded a prestigious gold garden medal.
The garden was inspired by the choreography of rain and featured arcs of cascading water, interwoven plantings, and sculptural stonework.
At its heart, the Cumbrian slate created dramatic grounding platforms more than 1.5 metres in width, winding paths, and layered textures that brought balance and drama to the space.
The garden is a collaboration between leading luxury jeweller Boodles and landscape designer Dr Catherine MacDonald of Landform Consultants and her team of craftsmen, horticulturalists and landscape designers.
Designed by the acclaimed Landscape Designer Dr Catherine MacDonald of Landform Consultants, the garden is a collaboration between leading luxury jeweller Boodles and Landform’s team of expert craftsmen, horticulturalists and landscape designers.
The garden wowed judges who praised its dynamic design, sustainability ethos, and natural materials.
Dr Catherine MacDonald said the slate – prized for its warm, earthy tone and textured finish – was not only a structural element but a storytelling device that aimed to evoke the rugged beauty and resilience of the Cumbrian landscape.
She said: “Brandy Crag slate provided both aesthetic and emotional depth to the garden. Its subtle colour shifts and tactile quality harmonised beautifully with the garden’s themes of movement, water, and natural elegance.
“We chose it deliberately — for its British provenance and for the sense of timeless strength it brings to the landscape.”
Burlington Stone said it was proud to contribute to the award winning garden.
Ian Ramsay, UK sales director at Burlington Stone, said: “It’s a real honour to see Brandy Crag slate celebrated on a stage like
Chelsea.
“To be part of a Gold Awardwinning Garden designed with such artistry and vision is tremendous recognition for the craftsmanship that went into these Cumbrian stone installation pieces.
“It’s also a testament to how heritage British materials can elevate the very best in modern garden design.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a prestigious annual awards event held in London that celebrates cutting-edge garden design over a five day period.
It is considered the pinnacle of garden design and is internationally renowned.
