“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit” – Nelson Henderson
The theme of Macmillan Legacy Garden is ‘creating legacy’, and specifically how a person's benevolent actions may create a ripple of beneficial effects for others in the future. The garden’s atmosphere is restful and contemplative.
In drawing attention to the subject of legacies, Macmillan Cancer Support wishes to use the garden to open a conversation with potential legacy-givers and also as a possible space to welcome existing Macmillan supporters.
From a sculpture at the heart of the garden that features the quotation above, paving radiates outward in concentric bands to represent the ripple effect of people’s generous actions. The sculpture represents the seed of a small action that leads to greater things in the future. Mature trees at the rear of the garden represent a legacy that has come to fruition, while the smaller trees and saplings symbolise the start of the process of legacy giving.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.