At a glance: A calming woodland-edge breathing space with pockets of lush, low-allergen planting
Guided by the Japanese principle of yohaku no bi (the beauty of empty space), Angus Thompson’s third Chelsea garden is notable for the open aspect of its longest side. The garden is to be transported to a rehabilitation centre for those living with lung conditions, so this woodland-edge garden literally creates ‘breathing space’.
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A ‘floating’ platform for breath-supporting therapies such as yoga and Tai Chi metaphorically elevates the practice of breathing and reaching up into the air, while introducing steps and ramps to encourage lower-body exercise. “There is anxiety with breathlessness,” says Angus, “so the garden is an enabling space. If you can see from here, to there, to the next place, you have the confidence to get there. There are not lots of hidden views; the flow through the garden has an inviting clarity.”
A long bench marks the garden’s entrance and offers an immediate pause point. There’s also a sculpture evoking a pair of abstracted lungs by artist Oliver Barratt, representing two elements in conversation with each other.
A predominantly green and white planting palette and a naturalistic water feature creates a sense of calm, along with spots of pink, purple and orange – the colours of the Asthma + Lung UK logo.
Alongside sandstone boulders for stillness, Angus is using pockets of low-allergen plants including epimediums, hostas and Lamium orvala. He has also chosen two Scots pines for their immune-boosting qualities and characterful imperfection, which are being driven to the UK in two low-loader trucks from Belgium. “The stars of our garden,” Angus reveals. “I won’t get any sleep on that day.”
Designer Angus Thompson Contractor Dan Flynn Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting Asthma + Lung UK Suppliers Deepdale Trees (shrubs), Kelways Plants (perennials), Solitair (pine trees) Relocating to BreathingSpace rehabilitation centre in Rotherham
