At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (21-25 May), several gardens are set around the importance of gardening for health and wellbeing – as well as raising awareness of the health struggles that some people face. Here, designers of three such gardens talk through their designs and provide advice on how you can bring these healing elements into your own garden, through design ideas and plant choices.
Stroke Association’s Garden for Recovery
BY LANDSCAPE DESIGNER MIRIA HARRIS
The garden has been designed as a peaceful, sensory space to support stroke recovery, both physical and mental. I drew upon my own experience of surviving stroke and the stories of other survivors, their families and loved ones to create a garden that I hope provides a space for rest and reconnection.
DESIGN OF THE GARDEN
I was keen for the garden to reflect all aspects of the recovery journey. The sculptural pine trees and winding, interconnected pathways acknowledge the difficult road to recovery that is not straightforward or linear, and the bridge over the stream is a metaphor for the connections that have to be rebuilt after the disconnecting experience of stroke.
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
Colour, scent and the sound of water flowing through the garden support wayfinding for those with visual or mobility impairments. The sculptural, natural-built walls and a sweeping hedge allow moments of privacy and
