Guide Dogs’ 90th Anniversary Garden

In more detail

• From a corner with dark planting that depicts the isolation of sight loss, a steel sculpture of a man and his guide dog shows the journey back to a better life with a canine companion
• Along the path, the planting becomes more colourful and leads to a rustic bridge over a bubbling stream around which ferns, hostas, grasses and Persicaria nestle

About the garden

This garden celebrates 90 years of British guide dog partnerships with an emotive, wildflower garden. It tells a story with a look back to the 1930s. The first guide dogs were German Shepherds and their owners were veterans blinded in the First World War.

Using life-size metal sculptures and sensory elements, the garden illustrates the journey somebody with sight loss takes, from a place of darkness, fear and isolation into a world of enrichment, acceptance, joy, freedom and independence with the help of their guide dog.

Ferns and dark foliage plants feature and are contrasted with colourful meadow planting, predominantly of British native species. Bold blocks of contrasting colours are present here – an element partially-sighted people appreciate. Other plants add sensory elements. With its dog-friendly planting, this is a simple but striking and memorable garden.