Muscular Dystrophy UK – Forest Bathing Garden

Muscular Dystrophy UK - Forest Bathing Garden is a much needed place of solace and reflection for those affected by a muscle wasting condition. It seeks to showcase how an immersive, yet accessible garden can offer a place of refuge to patients, their families, and clinicians at the time of diagnosis and beyond.

The design of the garden is inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest atmosphere and reconnecting with nature through our senses. The garden seeks to awaken imagination and innate connection to nature by bridging a gap between us and the natural world.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for? 
A public garden with a focus on the Muscular Dystrophy UK community including clinicians, researchers, patients and their families.
Where is the garden set?  
Oxfordshire.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing

A large random knapped flint wall has been chosen for its beautiful texture and form – reminiscent of muscle cells – which serves as a tool for explaining what Muscular Dystrophy is, and the devastating effect it can have on one’s muscles.

The planting is inspired by a birch grove, with more than 40 trees enveloping the garden and creating a forest-like atmosphere. The birch trees are under-planted with woodland edge style plants, varying from deep shade corners to more open, sunnier woodland glades. The majority of the plants have been selected for their foliage, creating a green tapestry, rich in texture, with an occasional burst of colour.

At the core of the garden is a central hub with sculptural flint walls, that provides a sheltered space for people to meet and share their experiences outside the clinical environment, mirroring the emotional and practical support that Muscular Dystrophy UK gives its community at a time of need.

Key sustainability points:

• Using reclaimed materials – slate, creasing tiles, clay pavers
• Foundations for the walls are formed using reusable precast concrete footings. These have been used at Chelsea since 2017 and will be re-used in future show gardens. The use of these reusable foundations eliminate the need for virgin concrete foundations
• The bungaroosh wall will be built using modular steelwork sections pre-filled with the reclaimed bungaroosh materials
• More than 75% of the overall garden area consists of planted areas. There is a planted/soft edge water rill running through the middle of the garden to capture and slow down the flow of any run-off water

Relocation:

The garden will be moved to the Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine in Oxford, located in the public gardens that accompany this new research centre to benefit patients, clinicians and scientists.