The CWGC Centenary Garden

From the show

• Elements inspired by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll in particular the vintage stone statuary and country garden style planting
• The archway is based on a bronze wreath that can be found at the largest CWGC war cemetery in the world
• Stone paving created from reclaimed, damaged or waterworn headstones
• Forged iron railing made in France to a horticultural design include 154 laser cut leaves representing the 154 countries the commission operates
• The convex mirror enhances the feel of reflection while multi-stemmed acers provide a sense of seclusion

At the garden

In 2017 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) celebrates 100 years since its foundation by Royal Charter. It continues to care for 1.7 million war dead in more than 150 countries. The CWGC Centenary Garden is designed to honour the fallen, and to celebrate the CWGC’s century of gardening excellence and the artisan skills still employed by its staff around the world.

Two stone statues of Royal Naval servicemen stand guard on each side of the garden. It is accessed through an imposing circular arch inspired by a bronze wreath at the largest CWGC cemetery in the world – Tyne Cot in Belgium. Portland stone steps, redolent of the headstones marking each grave, lead to a raised platform from which a view over the garden is afforded. The canopy of multi-stemmed trees at the front provides an area for quiet contemplation. Globe-headed flowers nestled in the floral landscape remind us of fallen soldiers.