The Ground Force team take up their final challenge by
creating a garden at the British Museum to celebrate
Africa '05.
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After eight wonderful fertile years, the Ground Force team have decided
to retire to the potting shed for a well-earned rest.
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However, fans of the Â鶹Éç ONE show will not be disappointed as the team
plan a one-hour spectacular to commemorate the end of an era.
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Their final mission will represent one of the show's greatest and most
high profile challenges: in just three days, the team will transform a
patch of lawn outside the British Museum into an exotic garden for Africa.
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The project will celebrate the end of the series, the Â鶹Éç's Africa season
and the museum's summer of African exhibitions.
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The garden will symbolise a journey through Africa, with the main path
being made out of hardwood railway sleepers, reminiscent of a train journey
though the continent.
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The planting will take viewers on a voyage reflecting first the desert
area of North Africa, through the rich tropical planting, and then on
to the temperate regions of Southern Africa - where so many of our favourite
plants originated.
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At the centre of the garden, a dramatic water sculpture created by world-renowned
artist Sokari Douglas Camp will add sound and movement.
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The stunning sculpture will be made from galvanised steel and will feature
five statuesque eight-foot figures of Nigerian women in vibrant colours.
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The garden will also feature a host of interesting and varied plants
- representing the continent's different climatic zones - that will be maintained
throughout the summer by volunteers from the Â鶹Éç Neighbourhood
Gardener scheme.
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A spectacular sculpture of a Baobab tree, donated by the Eden Project
and Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, will also be displayed within the garden.
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To harmonise the elaborate planting and landscaping, there will be a
collection of exciting sculptures by an impressive range of African artists
who will be exhibiting their work throughout the garden.
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Ground Force fans will be able to witness all the behind-the-scenes action
when Ground Force - A Garden For Africa '05 transmits later this year,
during the Â鶹Éç's Africa season.
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Notes to Editors
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Ground Force is an Endemol UK production.
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Viewers will be able to enjoy a sneak preview of the garden when it opens
to the public, with free admission, at the British Museum in May.
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For information on the Â鶹Éç Neighbourhood Gardener Scheme, visit
bbc.co.uk/gardening.
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Africa 05 is a series of major cultural events - taking
place in London - that celebrates contemporary and past cultures from
across the continent and the diaspora.
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Key partners for Africa 05 are Arts Council England, British Museum and
the South Bank Centre, in association with the Â鶹Éç.
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