At a glance: A space for teenagers to enjoy a moment of calm or talk with trusted counsellors from The Children’s Society
“When I last did Chelsea, 18 years ago, I thought that it was unlikely that I would do it again,” says designer Patrick Clarke. “But this is unlike any other show garden I’ve done before; it’s a huge privilege to work with this charity.” The design of the garden echoes the charity’s Time for Young People hubs, where young people can access immediate mental health support. “I thought there was an opportunity to design a garden, which acts almost like an outdoor version of that,” says Patrick. “Something that provides an outdoor space and all of the benefits that a garden brings in terms of mental health support.”
In the centre of the space is a sunken seating area, where young people can gather and connect, while around the rest of the garden there are more secluded spots for reflection or one-to-one conversations. Multistemmed Acer campestre create a canopy that adds to a sense of safety and enclosure, along with a steel structure containing panels of colourful fused glass that will cast warm light into the spaces below.
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Water, which originates in the back corner of the garden, feeds through the space in a series of simple, narrow rills. “They effectively enclose the social space,” says Patrick, “giving that extra level of protection and safety from the world.” They are also symbolic of the bravery of young people when taking that first step to ask for help, stepping over water to enter the garden.
The planting ranges from coppers and oranges through to bright and buttery yellows. “While the hard landscaping is quite directional, the planting weaves around it, channelling your eye through the garden.” Included in the planting are Verbascum arcturus and ivy-leaved toadflax; the latter to represent resilience in challenging environments. After the show, the garden will be relocated to a youth centre in Leighton Buzzard. “The community has already been embracing it; it’s something that brings a bit of joy and hope.
Designer Patrick Clarke Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting The Children’s Society Contractor Yoreland Design Ltd, Studio Ikram Ltd, Ayus Botanical Suppliers Bright Green Fox, Hortus Loci Relocating to A youth-support centre in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
