At a glance: A sustainable and productive garden inspired by Morecambe Bay
“The garden takes you on an immersive journey leading to a central island terrace that’s floating above a pool of water,” says co-designer Harry Holding. “Above that terrace is this landmark structure, designed by Michaelis Boyd Associates, which is a place for young adults to come together and learn about horticulture, foraging and crafts.”
Discover more about the gardens at Chelsea 2026
- First details of the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show 2026: discover who is designing what
- RHS announces five All About Plants gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2026
- Chelsea Flower Show 2026: balcony and container gardens announced
The inspiration for the garden is the sweeping landscapes and strong community of Morecambe Bay (with the name being a nod to the signature song of Morecambe’s most famous son, comedian Eric Morecambe), where the garden will be incorporated as part of a large public realm project, set to open in 2027, around the new Eden Project Morecambe.
Both the terrace and the boundary wall are made from clam-crete. “It’s an innovative material we’re developing for the garden. It’s made from waste shells from the seafood industries across Morecambe – mussels, cockles – a very low-carbon and sustainable concrete alternative.” A rainwater reservoir and rill circulate water around the garden, feeding the reflective pool that surrounds the terrace and filtering to a low point where it can then be used for irrigation.
“The planting is basically a designed coastal meadow,” says Harry, “so it has a beautiful softness to it and a lot of texture and movement.” Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) adds structure, while the climateresilient Salix exigua provides craft materials. The colour palette is led by blues, pinks and yellows. “We’ve got red valerians, lots of different alliums and Asphodeline lutea, which is a wonderful yellow spike that provides hot colour early in the year. “We’re using a huge array of plants, and a lot of them are useful for eating and making things as well as being beautiful,” says Harry.
Designers Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis. Also collaborating with artist Finbar Ward Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting The Eden Project Contractor Landscape Associates Suppliers The Eden Project Cornwall, Edulis, Hortus Loci, Incredible Vegetables Relocating to The Eden Project Morecambe, becoming part of a new 1.5-acre community space
