Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden

The garden

The garden is designed to captivate, spark curiosity and open up uninhibited conversations about gynaecological health. It aims to break down stigma and enable conversation by creating both intimate and more open spaces for people to talk.  

Surrounded by beautiful planting, the centre of the garden is fully immersive. Taking inspiration from the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, the central structure echo’s the artists ceramic sculptures, providing a safe and enveloping space where sunlight and shade change throughout the day.  A winding path leads visitors through richly planted borders, where shifting colours envelop five sculptures, each representing one of the five gynaecological cancers. From a central pool, water flows gently through deep rills, guiding the journey onward, into intimate nooks with secluded seating, then widens into a communal space for open and honest conversations. These contrasting environments are designed to break the silence, foster connection and ultimately help save lives #SILENTNOMORE.

The planting transitions from soft greys, pinks and blues to bold, vibrant tones that are reflective of the Lady’s Garden Foundation’s bold, fearless spirit.

Key plants

• Teucrium fruticans – loved for its silver-white stems from fresh growth
• Cistus creticus – delicate petals with crinkled edges and intense pink colouring
• Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna pink’ – a stunning alternative to the more popular ‘Caradonna’
• Olearia macrodonta – attractive foliage with a delicate crinkled edge that is irresistible
• Brugmansia ‘Purple Rain’ (datura) – we are hoping to include this rare and tender plant in the garden; fingers crossed!

Plants suppliers: Kelways Plants, Deepdale Trees and New Wood Trees

Sustainability notes

The garden is built for long-term sustainability, using low-treatment materials, peat-free plants, and reusable Cornish slate paths. Nearly all elements will be reused during relocation, and local South West artisans were commissioned to reduce its carbon footprint.

The designer – Darren Hawkes

“As a husband, father, and son to important women in my life, I want to help expand awareness amongst men and women, break taboos and shatter the silence to help save the lives of women in future generations,” Darren Hawkes.

Darren Hawkes is an award-winning garden designer and founder of a Cornwall-based studio creating landscapes across the UK. He’s won multiple medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, including two Golds, and has designed restorative gardens for Maggie’s cancer charity. Darren also hosts a podcast on therapeutic garden design and has served as an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Judge for five years.

Hear from the sponsor – Lady Garden Foundation

“Our mission is to make a step change in awareness of the five gynaecological cancers in 2026. The charity has built a reputation for being the boldest voice in gynae health, funding pioneering research at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, building a national education programme and campaigning to raise awareness and change policy.”

Garden legacy

The garden will be relocated to a community outdoor space in Jersey.