Mystery and romance are at the heart of one of three attempts by University College Writtle to gain Chelsea Flower Show awards.

Velvet and Brocade is used to create Angela Tolputt's regal courtyard garden.

Angela, who took a part-time diploma course in garden design at Writtle, said: "I have always appreciated richly coloured and textured fabrics, particularly deep purple and velvet silks.

"The object of the design is to hint at the spiritual presence of a mysterious woman or evidence of the recent presence of a real woman in a velvet cloak.

"I have used deep blue iris and bronze fennel, whose flowers and foliage remind me of these fabrics. The splashes of golden flowers in the garden reflect the gold brocade used on the velvet cloak and cushions placed upon the garden seat."

Plants discovered by Ellen Willmott, early 20th century owner of Warley Place, Brentwood -- once a famed garden and now a wild nature reserve -- are to feature in the science and education marquee exhibit.

The exhibit, "Explore Your Horticultural Roots", also features saffron, Turner oak and cricket bat willow, all with Essex connections.

The third exhibit will be in the garden design pavilion.

Angela is pictured with the college's Greg Allen in the Velvet and Brocade garden with the mysterious woman's cloak.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.