This year, Viking River Cruises is the proud sponsor of one of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Fresh Gardens. ‘The Sound of Silence’ is a unique, Zen-inspired garden, created by award-winning garden designer Fernando Gonzalez.

A RHS Chelsea Flower Show first, Viking River Cruises is helping to create a truly immersive experience at the garden by offering sound-cancelling headphones to help create a serene space in which visitors can relax and let the mind wander, completely eliminating the surrounding hustle and bustle. ‘Sounds of the River’ will also be available for visitors to listen to – a soothing soundtrack offering an insight into the world of Viking River Cruises.

The garden itself is an abstract, small landscape that captures the essence of nature by four contrasting opposing elements, these are:

1. The 60-year-old bonsai tree from Shikoku, Japan. It is a Japanese White Pine – Pinus Parviflora Pentaphylla Yatsubusa.

2. The gravel symbolises water and is made of silver-grey granite aggregates. It is surrounded by dark pebbles contained within a recycled steel edge.

3. The mountains have been constructed from natural acrylic stone in Alpine White. When heated, this material becomes pliable enough for it to be formed around moulds using specialist equipment. When cooled, it maintains its new shape while retaining its strength and structural integrity.

4. Forming a screen at the back of the garden is a hedge of English Yew, Taxus baccata.

‘To be part of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, especially in its 100th year, is a huge honour and we are thrilled to be sponsoring ‘The Sound of Silence’, comments Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director Viking River Cruises UK.

The relaxing and reflective nature of the garden and Fernando’s innovative design fit perfectly with Viking’s ethos and values. We hope that visitors enjoy every element of the garden. ’

Fernando Gonzalez, Garden Designer says: ‘Viking River Cruises is fantastic. They understand the concepts behind the garden; relaxation, reflection and a chance to view the world differently – all things that they offer on their holidays.’

-ENDS-

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Mischief PR on viking@mischiefpr.com  020 3128 6500 or Samantha Crossfield on sam.crossfield@vikingrivercruises.com / 0208 780 7945

Notes to Editor:

Fernando Gonzalez Garden Design

Fernando Gonzalez creates gardens that are artworks in themselves – pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Employing state-of-the-art technologies and manufacturing processes, Fernando has also designed a number of gardens for the Hampton Court Flower Show. His award-winning gardens have been featured in television programmes, major newspapers, magazines, and books throughout the world. For more information visit: http://www.fernandogonzalez.co.uk/

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, has grown to a fleet of 35 vessels since its 1997 inception. It provides award-winning holidays to travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history.

Viking has more than 20 different holidays across Europe, Russia and Asia. Whilst each holiday offers a different experience, all bring you superb accommodation on award-winning ships, fabulous food and wine, fascinating excursions and, of course, fantastic value for money.

For more information visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk