RHS Chelsea Flower Show

18 - 22 May 2027

Sanctuary Gardens 2023

The National Brain Appeal's Rare Space

Awards

  • Gold medal winner
  • Best Sanctuary Garden
  • Best Construction Award
Designed by:
Charlie Hawkes

The garden has been designed taking inspiration from people living with rare forms of dementia, particularly visual and spacial forms of the disease. Using their lives to inform a space which can offer autonomy, hope and encourage activity among those affected.

The result is a place of contrasting materials, to help identify and locate structural components, and a simple layout that provides a balance between exploration and calm navigation. Central to this is a level path which turns through the garden and three seating areas with visually contrasting shelters of bright colours to help people discover the garden independently.

Together these elements showcase a bespoke environment for people living with dementias so they can find a place of enjoyment and refuge in a challenging world.