A therapeutic garden
A therapeutic garden is a garden space that has been specifically designed to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of its visitors.
From healing gardens, to a workspace garden, public garden or a school garden, the possibilities are endless to the many benefits a connection to plants, trees and the natural world has on the human psyche.
A commemorative school garden
A garden within a school in Surrey provides a tranquil space for pupils, staff and parents to come together and commemorate.
The planting palette is designed to create an area of contemplation and relaxation. Green being the dominate colour, lends itself to feelings of calm, growth and harmony, perfect for a busy school.
The main plants being Yew domes and Hakonechloa macra, the static domes add balance whilst the rhythmic flow of the grasses creates harmony and calm. Narcissus, Crocus and Tulips will appear in spring followed by Verbena bonariensis and a mix of Alliums to add floating pixels of colour and interest throughout the year.
The garden will attract an array of wildlife, a base for learning and the all important connection to nature.
Thrive garden Battersea
Thrive, Battersea Park, London
A large undulating space that became vacant for Thrive to use for horticultural classes and to sell plants and produce to the passing public.
The design needed to have areas to accommodate different client groups with varying needs, it needed to be accessible by all,wheelchairs especially. Paths are level, clear, non slip and lead somewhere, this is very important for people with Dementia.
Ergonomic in design to appeal to adults and children with mental illness, learning difficulties, dementia, PTSD and physical disabilities.
The garden is stimulating, attractive to wildlife, lots of different areas for group activities plus areas that are more enclosed, comforting and calming.
The garden is heavily planted with a natural feel to enhance wellbeing.In the beds closest to the main building are plants that stimulate with scent, colour and sound. Many of the plants are working plants meaning they are used for wreath making, adding to bouquets and culinary projects.
Hampton Court Flower Show 2019. The Forest Will See You Now
Creating the garden for the RHS for Hampton Court was a real honour.
The Forest Will See You Now
A forest packaged in a packet of pills will highlight the natural medicinal benefits time spent in woodland can have on our mental and physical health.
“Many of the UK’s woods and forests are under threat. But this natural resource has huge health benefits for us all – time spent in a forest environment is soothing, forges a connection to nature, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases concentration and improves mood.”
The Forest also highlights the work the Woodland Trust is doing to protect, restore and create woodlands throughout the UK.
A cool shaded space with trees, banks of woodland ground cover and wildflower meadow.
A path snakes through the forest, leaf litter and fallen branches scatter the forest floor.
Trees and plants emit a chemical compound known as phytoncides to help defend themselves from bacteria, fungi and insects.
Studies in Japan and Korea have showed levels of phytoncides in the forest air have a positive impact on natural killer cells which occur in the human body, effectively strengthening our immune systems.
The Urban Tree Festival 2021. A Dose of Nature.
A woodland prescription in Beckenham Place Park, London.
Working with the London Borough of Lewisham to create these ‘Prescription’ boards for The Urban Tree Festival. We wanted to provide prompts and suggestions to visitors of the park, such as ‘slow your pace’, ‘Look for the bird that owns the song’ these enable the visitor to better connect with nature for improved mental, physical and social wellbeing.