A new style of sensory garden sponsored and developed in conjunction with charity Blind Veterans UK has been awarded a gold medal in the show garden category at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
The All About Community garden was the first the charity had worked on. Designed by Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer, and built by Landform Consultants, the garden featured traditional stone, oak and willow, together with ornamental trees, flowers, an orchard and a kitchen garden, which was raided by the Hairy Bikers for a TV cookery segment.
‘It is not the traditional idea of a sensory garden for vision impairment but celebrates the ability, activity and vibrancy of the blind veterans the charity supports, said Bowyer.
Different sections of the garden stimulated various senses, with one area focused on smell and a shelter featuring hand carved woodland animals for visitors to touch and feel. The meandering path was covered in light stone to contrast with the dark flower beds, helping visually impaired visitors to make their way around the garden.
The imposing willow sculptures were a nod to the charity’s WWI veterans, who used to make willow baskets at Hampton Court following the war.
In addition to the show garden medal, All About Community also landed the Best Construction Award.