Gardens on the Edge

The border 

Capturing the fragile threshold between resilience and erosion, Gardens on the Edge explores planting as living coastal infrastructure. Visitors move from a lush contemporary garden into windswept dune grasses and finally encounter a sparse, climate-resilient landscape shaped by salt and drought. Sculpted landforms, exposed substrate and weathered structural elements reveal the tension between stability and loss. 

As abundance gradually transitions into exposure, the vegetation becomes more than just decoration. Species such as Ammophila arenaria (marram grass), Leymus arenarius (lyme grass) and Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (feather reed grass) – all essential in creating continuity within the border – provide framework, filtrate the wind and stabilise sandy soils.

Inspired by the changing British coastline and ecological adaptation, the garden reflects a personal interest in how planting can both protect and respond to environmental pressure.

About the designer – Emily Joy

Emily’s passion for horticulture stems from a family background in floristry and a lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors. During lockdown, increased time at home led her to pursue landscaping, transforming her own East Yorkshire garden and ultimately establishing a career in professional garden design. Since launching her studio in January 2023, she has built a strong reputation across East and North Yorkshire, with clients drawn to her distinctive style and thoughtful approach. Working with homeowners as well as industry professionals, Emily has created an open and approachable studio, offering a seamless, in-house service with a particular strength in soft landscaping.

Garden legacy

Emily hopes for the garden to be relocated to a publicly accessible community or educational setting where its themes of climate resilience, coastal ecology and sustainable planting can continue to engage visitors beyond the show.