Last week, the Dorchester Hotel played host to the Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden, indulging the senses with garden-inspired sights, smells and tastes. The event proved there’s no better way to usher in spring than with this unique Chelsea Flower Show-themed package at the Dorchester.
Feast your eyes:
Guests at the event had the chance to view the Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden, which will be competing at the 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It may not have been the fully realized foliage, instead a miniature replica of the garden, but it was enough to convince us to head to this year’s event.
Arne Maynard designed the garden, which draws inspiration from Laurent-Perrier, both Maynard’s sponsor and the official champagne of the event. The garden combines both traditional and modern aspects, including copper beech trees that will provide the structure of the garden, guiding visitors along a pebble path. A variety of roses will climb a Parisian fossil limestone wall, while lily of the valley and lavender will provide the garden with a refreshing perfume.
The garden will sustain flowers year-round, allowing for a plentiful bouquet at all times. The colour palette reflects Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé, a beautiful blush tone, and the plants were chosen to evoke Maynard’s childhood memories of a quintessential British garden.
“The garden is designed to be an inspirational yet achievable realisation of enduring elegance – something that can be grown and enjoyed in a real situation,” Maynard said.
Other elements include topiaries, an antique pear tree, and a water feature that constantly runs throughout the garden. The garden is also home to a secluded terrace with a hand-carved oak bench and bronze bird sculpture.
See Maynard’s garden at the 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which runs from 22-26 May 2012.
Smell the Roses:
Master perfumer Roja Dove was also on hand to provide a lesson in all things fragrant. Dove explained how different scents combine to create the ultimate aroma and provided samples of the scents that will be found in Maynard’s Bicentenary Garden, including Rose de Mai and Lavender.
The lovely garden scent is incorporated in the perfumer’s newest candle, Roja Dove Rose de Mai, which is available for purchase exclusively at the Shop at The Dorchester and Dorchester’s online shop for £65.
Indulge Your Taste Buds:
Guests also had the chance to indulge in The Dorchester’s Rosé Garden Afternoon Tea, a feast of decadent teacakes, finger sandwiches, champagne and scones. Perhaps the most magnificent was the chocolate macaroon with passion fruit creameaux and orange marmalade – delightful!
Those with a sweet tooth can treat themselves to the Rosé Garden Afternoon Tea, available at the Dorchester 20 March through Sunday 27 May from £54.
Experience It:
Afternoon tea not tickling your tastebuds? Want the full Chelsea Flower Show-Dorchester experience? Celebrate spring with the Chelsea Flower Show at The Dorchester.
For £545, guests can stay at the hotel in a deluxe room with breakfast, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier on arrival, two tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, two spots at the Rose Garden Afternoon Tea, and special rates at the Dorchester spa.
To book, contact The Dorchester at +44 20 7319 7102 or email reservations.TDL@dorchestercollection.com.