The Woodstock Homes Multiple Sclerosis Garden

The garden

Drawing on one of the designers’ own experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, this space shows how a safe and tranquil environment can be achieved in a compact setting.

An accessible seating area sits within a floral lawn of native wildflowers – a low-maintenance, climate-resilient alternative to traditional grass. The planting reflects the individuality of each diagnosis through varied forms of the same species, in a palette of soft purples and whites with touches of apricot and orange. These calming tones evoke the colours of The Brightwell, a centre for neurological wellbeing and physical recovery in Bristol.

From Echinacea purpurea ‘Virginia’ to Alcea rosea, many plants in this sanctuary have medicinal properties. Tall, airy grasses add movement, while sculptural nerve-like structures provide support for climbers and reinforce themes of resilience, growth and connection.

Key plants: 

• Erigeron karvinskianus ‘Lavender Lady’: Although Erigeron is a common prolific self seeder, the variety ‘Lavender Lady’ adds something different to the planting

• Salvia ‘Phyllis’ Fancy’ is another less commonly used plant that adds aesthetic appeal, long lasting pollinator friendly flowers, as well as being drought tolerant and low maintenance

• Corydalis ‘Korn’s Purple’ deserves more use in partially shady spots, with slender flowers over a long period.

• Veronica catarractae ‘Porlock’, with it’s lavender blue, open flowers that provide a delicate yet showy display

Plants supplied by: Kelways Nursery

The designers – Michael Leech and Gavin Moth

Michael has been gardening in his own garden for around eight years, obtaining an RHS qualification in 2022 and designing a Long Border at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in 2024 where he won a Silver-gilt medal. Gavin returned to college at the age of 44 to study the The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture in 2024. He started his own gardening business soon after qualifying.

The garden legacy

The garden is being relocated to The Brightwell Centre in Bristol after the show.