The 1804 Garden from RHS Tatton gifted to mental health trust

The Silver medal-winning 1804 Garden, designed by Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis for RHS Tatton in 2024, has found a new home at The Harbour mental health hospital in Blackpool. 

A space for reflection and recovery

The shape of the new plot meant the garden could retain the essence of the original circular layout, which features a central reflection pond, a striking, spherical steel sculpture made of rusted circles, and a surrounding gravel path with four curved benches. Betula trees create dappled shape, while evergreen Bergenia provide groundcover around the water feature. The scaled-down version offers a peaceful retreat for patients, staff and visitors, encouraging moments of calm and connection with nature.

The 1804 Garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2024

The hospital plans to host weekly gardening groups involving staff and patients, and hopes to expand the garden into other areas of the grounds.

As a mental health trust, we know the role that being outdoors and connecting with nature has on wellbeing – from reducing stress to improving mood and aiding rehabilitation.

© David Uttley

Designers Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis with the orb sculpture in its new home

A legacy of giving

Designers Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis have a history of using their work to support mental health. In 2023, their Constructing Minds garden won Best in Show at RHS Tatton and was donated to Clatterbridge Hospital in Merseyside. Jon Jarvis shared his hopes for the new garden: “We really do hope the patients and NHS workers in Blackpool will enjoy spending time in the relaxing wellbeing garden.”