Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey

The garden

Inspired by a workshop for gardeners living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, this joyful garden is designed as a sanctuary that both supports and appreciates those navigating this complex neurological condition. A wide, accessible path weaves through contrasting planting borders, unified by a sculptural “hand-rill” that functions as both a flowing water feature and tactile handrail. The movement and sound of water provide sensory cues designed to assist with ‘freezing’, a common Parkinson’s symptom.

A vibrant, sunny border of joyful, jewel-toned perennials and annuals uplift and energise. The route is also flanked by verdant woodland inspired planting to reflect calmness. Beneath a wooden, organic shaped arch visitors can rest. After dark it is gently lit, highlighting night-time plants, extending the hours being in the garden for those with the symptom of insomnia. A place of harmony and comfort for people and pollinators alike.

Key plants

The space is divided into three themed zones – uplift and energise, calm and restful, and night time – each with its own colour palette and sensory focus. Bright colours and scentless plants in the energising zone reflect early Parkinson’s symptoms like loss of smell. The woodland-inspired restful zone uses muted tones and varied textures to address visual and spatial challenges. The night zone offers a soothing environment for those with insomnia, featuring greens and whites that give interest in low light and attract pollinators.

• Tulips – associated with Parkinson’s worldwide, due to a variety named after James Parkinson who first identified the condition.
• Scentless roses – a new variety included to reflect the loss of smell, a common early symptom of Parkinson’s.
• Peonies – chosen for their bold, vibrant flowers, inspired by a workshop participant’s wish for “big and blousy colourful blooms.”
• Digitalis alba (foxglove) – features in the night-time garden zone, offering a calming presence for those with Parkinson’s-related insomnia.
• Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) pending propagation – contains Levodopa, a natural precursor to the neurotransmitter used in Parkinson’s treatment.

Plants suppliers: Beth Chatto Plants, Claire Austin Plants, Hardys Cottage Garden Plants, Harkness Roses, Hillier Plants & Trees, How Green Nursery, New Wood Trees and Sunnyside Rural Trust.

Sustainability notes

70% of the garden is planted with a mix of native and non-native species to boost biodiversity. It features a natural pond, uses locally sourced timber to reduce environmental impact, and includes low-impact lighting to protect nighttime wildlife.

The designer – Arit Anderson

“This is a personal garden for me as my sister is living with Parkinson’s, so I really wanted to raise awareness of this little understood condition,” Arit Anderson.

Arit Anderson is a garden designer, writer, podcaster, and TV presenter. After 25 years in fashion and events, she blended her passions for wellbeing and creativity through gardening. Inspired by her own garden in 2010, she trained at Capel Manor College and won RHS Chelsea’s Fresh Talent award in 2013, followed by a Gold medal at RHS Hampton Court in 2016 for a climate-focused garden. Her designs emphasize simplicity and sustainability, showcased in the 2024 Peat Free Garden for the RHS. Arit is a Chartered Landscape Institute Member, RHS Ambassador, and co-founder of the Sustainable Landscape Foundation, using media to champion climate-conscious gardening.

About the charity – Parkinson’s UK 

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety and Parkinson’s is on the rise. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK today. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need. From searching for a cure and campaigning for better health and care, to funding research into groundbreaking new treatments and running life-changing support services. It’s all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.

Garden legacy

The garden will be relocated to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, a UK Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence, so the Parkinson’s community can enjoy its lasting benefits.