The garden creates a series of spaces dedicated to the different kinds of relationships in our lives – at work, with friends and family, with partners, or by ourselves.  These areas are defined by cork ‘masks’ and encircle a central sanctuary with a mesmeric sculpture, alluding to the inner mind’s complexity and beauty.  

The planting scheme is multi-layered, evolving from wetland meadow to river birch woodland, with a vibrant colour palette at its boundary soothing to softer hues at its heart, where textured curling bark sits alongside large crusted blocks of expanded cork.   

A strong ecological ethos runs through the garden, showcasing the circularity of regenerative systems and the interdependent relationship between natural ecosystems and man-made materials.   

Designer Sophie Parmenter explains: “The three outer spaces in our garden, each with its own character, accommodate a type of social activity: a large, covered space for a family or friends; a more formal space for colleagues; and a more intimate corner for a quiet conversation with a partner.  Each space is defined by a cork and timber screen – or ‘mask’ – which together create a fourth area, a sunken, protected sanctuary at the heart of the garden. This sheltered central garden becomes a metaphor for the inner mind. 

“RHS Chelsea Flower Show offers an opportunity to break new ground as a designer, enjoying the creative freedoms involved in making a show garden. It also affords a chance to challenge the industry’s traditions and to push for innovation in sustainable design.” 

Co-designer Dido Milne, of CSK Architects, explains how material life cycles which lie behind the materials we build with are all too often hidden from view. “On the face of it, a building appears to be a big stable object that is permanent, but this façade masks the reality that like everything else we make, a building is both constantly changing and temporary – a lot of buildings don’t last much longer than a human lifespan before they are demolished. 

“Scratch the surface some more, and in fact the built environment is part of a never-ending flow of materials across time – extraction, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, repair, reuse and renewal – all of which can create environmental impacts. 

“This garden is an opportunity to explore and highlight some of the hidden connections between the materials we specify and the ecosystems which lie behind them.” 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place from 21 – 25 May 2024 and is one of the most famous gardening events in the world. 

It is the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship event and has been delighting garden and plant lovers for over 110 years.

Source: autism.org.uk