A life-changing garden designed and built by RHS students
Discover how RHS horticultural students designed and built a therapeutic garden
As part of the RHS Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, students based at RHS Garden Wisley have undertaken a project to design and build a therapeutic garden at charity Dose of Nature’s Guildford site at the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf. The garden was officially opened at a celebratory event for the Dose of Nature community and partners.
The Glade
Lucy’s artist’s impression of The Glade
Dose of Nature’s outdoor space at the start of the build week
“I was so excited to have my design chosen,” says Lucy. “Being a gardener, I see first-hand how restorative, and healing nature can be, and I am honoured that my design is being used to bring this to others through the wonderful work that Dose of Nature carries out. I named the garden ‘The Glade’ as I thought this summed up how I want the space to act as a safe and bright clearing.”
Dose of Nature helps people reconnect with nature to boost their wellbeing and find a sense of calm, balance and connection. Clients are often signposted via a GP’s referral for a ‘Dose of Nature prescription’. The ten-week programme introduces people to the benefits of spending time in nature.
All hands on deck
RHS Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice students, David Wallbridge, landscape tutor, RHS volunteers and members of the RHS Community Outreach Team
The main shape of the garden is based on an unfurling fern
The result, after a huge amount of hard work, is The Glade. The garden’s soft curves and naturalistic planting create a welcoming and interactive space where groups and individuals will be immersed in nature. The main shape of the garden is based on an unfurling fern. Fractal patterns were mentioned in the client brief and Lucy liked the idea of these repeated patterns throughout nature and the healing benefits they bring.
Key features include a craft coppice with hazels and dogwood to cut and use as weaving materials, a foraging area to harvest food, and an area dedicated to sitting and observing wildlife. The aim is to encourage strengthening connections to nature and to help people feel restored in doing so.
“It’s great to see the next generation of horticulturalists embedding the health and wellbeing principles into an impactful social project with multiple partners that will help more individuals to thrive,” says RHS Director of Science, Alistair Griffiths, who attended the final day of the build.
There is a strong focus on encouraging wildlife, with lots of pollinator-friendly planting suited to shady conditions, a habitat wall and wildlife houses throughout. All the existing trees and shrubs remain and have been worked into the design, to avoid the cost and environmental implications of removing them. The pond, designed by Diploma student Conor Craig, has been restored, and will also encourage wildlife to the garden.
The Glade has distinct areas where daily activities will take place as part of Dose of Nature’s therapeutic work, some for a large group such as the yoga lawn or craft gazebo, and other spaces for small groups of people to sit and have a quiet conversation or reflect.
A dream come true
Members of the RHS Leadership Team helped put the finishing touches to the garden
Zöe Franklin, MP for Guildford, officially opened The Glade at a celebratory event
On the final day of the build week, Dose of Nature staff, volunteers and clients joined the Diploma students to help with planting. RHS volunteers and staff, including members of the Community Outreach Team and Carole Goldsmith, Director of People, Alistair Griffiths, Director of Science and Ingrid Fernandez, Director of Finance, from the RHS Leadership Team, alongside other community partner organisations, lent a hand to help put the final touches to the space.
To great applause, Zöe Franklin, MP for Guildford, cut the ribbon and declared the new garden officially open. A celebration with cake and refreshments was followed by an opportunity to explore.
“It is a dream come true to have a garden that I have designed come to life!” says Lucy, who grew up loving being outdoors and surrounded by nature, which led to a desire for a career working with plants. “I still can’t quite believe the garden is now officially open for people to enjoy!”
“It’s very special, there’s a huge difference in the atmosphere,” says Tony. Alice added: “I love how there are different zones for different activities and a veg patch of dreams! It’s incredible what has been achieved in just one week.”
Connecting with nature
The Community Outreach Team will continue to work with the charity to embed the garden into their core work
A team of volunteers will care for the garden
“We hope this beautiful garden will be a place where Dose of Nature staff, volunteers and clients connect with each other and nature,” says Julie Jowett, RHS Senior Community Outreach Advisor. “The RHS Communities Team will continue to work with Dose of Nature to embed the garden into their core work.”
“All Dose of Nature’s practice takes place outside, so the creation of a garden at Dapdune Wharf will help us deliver more activities and opportunities for clients and volunteers,” says Dr Cat Huckle, Lead Psychologist for Surrey, Dose of Nature. “We’re very excited about this new phase for our charity – it will truly be life changing for our whole Dose of Nature community. A massive thank you to the RHS. You really care about our clients and the work we do.”
The Design & Build project is an example of the RHS strategy to 2030 where gardening is embraced as a way of life. Few other activities bring so many benefits to so many people.
Long-lasting community change
The specially trained RHS Community Outreach Team works with community groups to build their skills and inspire long-lasting community change. To learn more, visit our community projects pages.
To find out more about work-based training programmes delivered at all five RHS Gardens, including the Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, visit our work-based training pages or contact [email protected].
