Japanese Zen philosophy and the tranquillity of the European countryside perfectly capture the spirit of the Sanctuary garden category.
Sanctuary Gardens
Hamptons Mediterranean Garden by Filippo Dester will transport visitors to a contemporary outdoor living space, combining a kitchen and entertainment area surrounded by edible and fragrant planting for alfresco dining. Kazuyuki Ishihara makes a welcome return to RHS Chelsea with The Biophilic Garden Otsu – Hanare, inspired by the traditional Satoyama landscapes found in the foothills of Japan.
Animals have their own sanctuary with the RSPCA’s wildlife-friendly garden by first-time Chelsea designer Martyn Wilson, creating a space for both humans and creatures to live in harmony. The National Brain Appeal’s Rare Space has been created by designer Charlie Hawkes alongside people living with rare dementias, to offer a refuge for exploration and calm navigation.
All About Plants gardens
Following its successful debut in the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea 2022, the All About Plants category will increase from four to six gardens, all supported by Project Giving Back. Each garden has been designed in collaboration with a UK charity and will reflect their individual causes. Following the show, all of the gardens will live on at the charities’ chosen locations across the country.
The creative arts offer inspiration across three of the gardens – Nicola Semple and Susan Begg bring a ‘dolly mixture’ palette of Primula candelabra to the Teapot Trust Elsewhere Garden. Based on the Scottish charity’s work using art therapy to help children coping with chronic conditions, the planting celebrates the magic of their imagination.
“Sustainable and wildlife-friendly planting is central to each design”
Joe and Laura Carey weave 250 porcelain butterflies amongst their textural planted garden to express how Talitha Arts harness the power of creativity for people suffering trauma.
Sadler’s Wells dance company celebrates its new community performance space in East London with a garden designed by Alexa Ryan-Mills that puts plants front of stage as the stars of the show. Other All About Plants gardens highlight the importance of teaching children to learn about growing food in schools; a sensory and accessible garden for learning for disabled users and a welcoming and safe space for refugees.
Helena Pettit, RHS Director of Shows and Gardens, said: “The breadth of creativity across the Sanctuary and All About Plants categories is truly inspirational and will take visitors on a journey to other countries as well as imaginary worlds. Sustainable and wildlife- friendly planting is central to each design, with gardens offering new combinations of species that will bring a sensory delight to the show.”
Sanctuary Gardens 2023
The Boodles British Craft Garden
Sponsor: Boodles
Designer: Thomas Hoblyn
Contractor: The Landscaping Consultants
Cavernoma On My Mind
Sponsor: The Cavernoma Society
Designer: Taina Suonio & Anne Hamilton
Contractor: Tom Salmon Landscaping
Hamptons Mediterranean Garden
Sponsor: Hamptons
Designer: Filippo Dester
Contractor: Garden Club London
The London Square Community Garden
Sponsor: London Square
Designer: James Smith
Contractor: The Landscape Consultants
The National Brain Appeal’s Rare Space
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting the National Brain Appeal
Designer: Charlie Hawkes
Contractor: Landscape Associates Ltd
The RSPCA Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting the RSPCA
Designer: Martyn Wilson
Contractor: Landscape Associates
The Biophilic Garden Otsu – Hanare
Sponsor: Ishihara Kazuyuki Design Laboratory
Designer: Kazuyuki Ishihara
Contractor: Ishihara Kazuyuki Design Laboratory
All About Plants Gardens 2023
Choose Love Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting Choose Love
Designer: Jane Porter
Contractor: Stone Inspired
The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting Aspens Charities
Designer: Camellia Taylor
Contractor: The Outdoor Room
School Food Matters Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting School Food Matters
Designer: Harry Holding
Contractor: Landscape Associates
The Sadler’s Wells East Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting Sadler’s Wells
Designer: Alexa Ryan-Mills
Contractor: To be confirmed
The Talitha Arts Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting Talitha Arts
Designers: Joe Carey & Laura Carey
Contractor: Landcraft
The Teapot Trust Elsewhere Garden
Sponsor: Project Giving Back supporting Teapot Trust
Designers: Nicola Semple & Susan Begg
Contractor: Stewart Landscape Construction Ltd
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