Hardwood Decking in David Domoney’s Naked Garden at RHS Hampton Court
Karl Harrison builds show garden
Some show gardens rely on noise. However, the Naked Garden relied on precision. It asked a simple question: what happens when you strip everything back and let the build speak?
So, we leaned into the brief.
Karl Harrison, is to showcase Hardwood Decking in David Domoney’s Naked Garden at the 2011 RHS Hampton Court Flower Show
A concept that demanded honest detailing
David Domoney designed the Naked Garden around “bare” planting and sharp presentation. As a result, every joint, line, and edge mattered. The garden needed outdoor entertaining space, yet it still had to feel minimal and deliberate.
Therefore, the decking could not distract. It had to sit quietly in the composition and perform like a finished interior floor.
Why Hardwood Decking fits the Naked Garden brief
Hardwood suits projects that demand a clean surface and controlled gaps. In addition, it supports screwless or hidden-fix detailing, which keeps the deck face visually calm.
The timber was naked in every sense.
This installation defied logic as the new timber is having the tannin striped back to reduce the impact of a heavily tannin stain finish. Instead, the decking will present as bleached and will demonstrate the effect of UV bleaching. Hence “Naked”
The build team and the show garden delivery
Decking Network featured the project as a complete show-garden collaboration:
- Designed by: David Domoney
- Built by: Karl Harrison
- Decking by: Hardwood
- Water Bubble Wall: Designed by Karl Harrison
So, the garden landed as a proper construction project, not just a display.
It needed programme control, crisp workmanship, and site discipline.
What the original press piece got right
The feature you shared captured the spirit perfectly. It talked about “baring all on the decking” and spotlighted invisible fixings. Importantly, it also framed the deck as an outdoor room. That idea still drives premium garden design today.
Equally, it highlighted what clients actually notice.
They notice transitions. They notice level changes. They notice corners and thresholds. Therefore, we focus on the details that make the whole scheme feel effortless.
What this means for the decking industry
Show gardens set trends, but they also set expectations. So, we see them as a responsibility as well as a privilege. They push installers toward better tolerances, better finishing, and better system thinking.
Furthermore, they give the public a reference point.
When homeowners see high-grade detailing at a major show, they start to demand the same quality at home.
That is exactly why DeckingNetwork.com exists. We share the methods, the lessons, and the standards that keep decking professional.
We also plan to keep carrying that mantle for the industry, project after project.
Thank you—and see you at the show
Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone involved in making the Naked Garden happen. It took design clarity, build discipline, and proper teamwork to deliver a garden that looked “simple” while hiding serious technical effort.
If you’re visiting RHS Hampton Court, keep an eye out for the details. Then, look closer. That is where the story always sits.
The Telegraph published the followng article on Saturday June 18th 2011
