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Welsh–Arabic garden unites cultures through plants and design

Drawing on the designer’s mixed heritage, Canon Lân – A Garden of Pure Heart is a space that speaks of peace, faith and connection with nature, aiming to engage all five senses

Originally created as a small Show Garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025, Canon Lân – A Garden of Pure Heart now lives on at the National Waterfront Museum, in Wales. Welsh-Arab designer Emma Yousef hopes it becomes a welcoming space where people can connect regardless of their faith or background.

A blend of cultures

Aeral view of Canon Lân – A Garden of Pure Heart, designed by Emma Yousef
“When I designed this garden, I wanted it to be more than just a pretty space,” Emma Yousef said. “I wanted to create a place where I could feel close to nature, my faith and my family – and where people from all backgrounds could talk over a cup of tea.”

Born with a mixed heritage – her mum is from Mumbles, Wales and her dad from Baghdad, Iraq – she’s always felt proud of her origins. This blend of cultures is deeply rooted in the design of Canon Lân – A Garden of Pure Heart, which is inspired by the peaceful feel of Islamic gardens and the wild natural beauty of Wales.

The Welsh influence

“The Welsh influence is represented in a lighthouse mosaic, made using hand-cut glass tiles and styled with Celtic knotwork resembling Welsh slate,” Emma explained. Another tribute to her mum’s country is the fountain at the centre of this 3mx4m garden. Shaped as an eight-pointed star and made from reclaimed Welsh slate, the sound of flowing water not only soothes the soul but also reminds us of life’s essential connection. The name of the garden itself, Calon Lân, means ‘pure heart’ in Welsh and reflects Emma’s values, roots and the love she shares with her family.
Fountain
The eight-pointed star fountain
The decorated pavement around the fountain

The Islamic influence

The Arabic influence is expressed through the geometry, planting and flowing water inspired by traditional Islamic gardens. “Islamic gardens are traditionally designed as an earthly reflection of paradise, intended to provide a space for contemplation, rest and connection with God,” Emma said. “Canon Lân reflects the Islamic principle of sakinah – tranquillity and stillness of the heart. The symmetry, water features and harmonious planting create a calming rhythm that encourages slowing down and being present.”

Geometry is an important aspect of Emma Yousef’s design
Another Islamic concept expressed throughout the garden is khalifah – ‘stewardship’ in English – which means that humans are entrusted with caring for the earth. This is represented through:

A garden for all senses

Guided by Islamic principles of environmental care, Canon Lân embraces sustainability with eco-friendly materials and plants suited to the British climate. The garden features highly-scented plants to create a calm, meditative environment whilst also attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Rose [Purple Skyliner]
Antirrhinum
Antirrhinum majus, Freesia ‘White River’, Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’
The garden is designed to engage all five senses. While sight is inspired by balanced geometry, detailed mosaics and harmonious planting, sound is evoked by the gentle trickle of water from the central fountain. Layers of scent come from roses, lavender and herbs, and edible plants and flowers invite visitors to ‘taste’ the garden. Last but not least, touch is incorporated though the smooth surfaces of the mosaics and the varied plant textures.

Star plants in Canon Lân – A Garden of Pure Heart

The garden is filled with plants that are both beautiful and meaningful:

  • Lavender – Aromatic and pollinator-friendly, lavender has a history in both Welsh cottage gardens and Arabic herbal traditions, creating a bridge between Emma’s mixed-heritage
  • Rose – With its timeless beauty and heavenly scent, the rose is significant in Islamic poetry and art, while also being a staple of traditional British gardens
  • Jasmine – Celebrated for its intoxicating fragrance and symbolic purity, jasmine is a plant treasured in Middle Eastern gardens
  • Mint – Fresh, uplifting and edible, mint is used in both British and Arabic culinary traditions, engaging the senses of taste and smell while being easy for visitors to connect with
  • Lily of the valley – With delicate, bell-shaped blooms and a sweet scent, Convallaria majalis is the favourite flower of Emma’s Welsh grandmothers
  • Love-in-a-mist – Its airy, intricate flowers with medicinal seeds are considered a remedy for many ailments in Islamic tradition
  • Iris – Chosen for its architectural blooms and long history in both Islamic and European gardens; also, Emma’s middle name is Sawsan, which means ‘iris’ in Arabic
  • Foxglove – With its tall spires of bell-shaped flowers, foxglove is loved by pollinators and adds vertical drama to the planting design.

A family effort

Emma’s daugthers drinking mint tea in the garden
Not only is Canon Lân ‘a garden of pure heart’ for the story it tells, but also for the process behind it. A mother of seven children, Emma was helped by her kids with the design and mosaic work. Her eldest son, Umar, helped choose the plants and grew many from seed and cuttings.

“One of the most meaningful parts is the heart-shaped mosaic that my children helped create – a symbol of their love and connection to the garden,” Emma said. “Building this space was a journey filled with meaning, creativity and family. It’s a family creation made with love – a real pure heart.”

After a temporary relocation to the National Waterfront Museum in Wales, Emma’s garden will be rebuilt and expanded at the EYST (Supporting Ethnic Minority People Across Wales) headquarters in Cardiff. This will allow it to support communities who share a story similar to Emma’s.

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