Mindful Meadowlands

The garden

Most people know about climate change and how rising temperatures can affect our gardens. However, few connect climate change to flooding even though one in six homes face flood threats (according to the Environment Agency). The design emphasises these risks and shows how to incorporate measures to reduce the impact of waterlogged soil conditions.

A bespoke pergola acts as a shaded place to sit and as a feature sculpture for the garden. A ‘dead hedge’ provides shelter and food to small mammals, and acts as a natural barrier to stem excess water flow. Crushed gravel drains surface water away and is wheelchair friendly. A curved boardwalk resembles the natural flow of a river, its meandering passage enabling a slower flow of water. With the path being raised, it is elevated above any waterlogged ground.

The planting

The garden has a soft colour palette of blues, white and claret, to create a harmonious, peaceful atmosphere.

Key plants:

• Alnus incana ‘Aurea’
• Crataegus × media ‘Plena’
• Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Palo Alto’
• Salix caprea and wildflowers.

The trees are chosen for their ability to adapt to waterlogged ground conditions, with the varieties selected either providing spring and autumn interest, or the capability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves the nutrient content for the future and ability to support a diversity of wildlife. Most importantly trees play a vital role in reducing flooding and trees can capture and offset carbon emissions.

Wildflowers have been chosen because they are native to this country and provide food for a wide range of insects. They also promote the creation of wildflower meadows to encourage nature for wellbeing. Wildflower meadows have declined by 97% since the 1930s (National Trust). We can all provide space for these important plants.

Plants supplied by: Greenwood Nursery, All Turf

Sustainability notes

The boardwalk uses Pioneer Advanced Composite, which naturally enhances outdoor hygiene. The bamboo mixed core contains built-in antibacterial properties, actively resisting odours, mould and allergens without the need for chemical treatments, combined with a wood-free composition – zero deforestation and the beauty of rare hardwood without the environmental cost. It is made from a bamboo core mix and recycled plastic, reducing emissions and material waste. Less environmental impact from start to finish with solar-powered manufacturing and free from harmful chemicals.  Crushed gravel is being used for its drainage qualities.

About the designers – Constructing Minds with Nature

Constructing Minds with Nature is a not-for-profit landscape studio with a mission to create green spaces in the public realm for community wellbeing as well as to try to help mitigate the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change. This reflects the growing recognition (including among the medical profession) that human health and the natural environment are intertwined. The project is particularly intended to benefit disadvantaged communities, with all assets and profits dedicated to the community interest. 

Garden Designer Carolyn Hardern, Construction Manager Jon Jarvis and Horticulturist Alan Nugent together have more than eight decades of commitment, experience and expertise in the gardening world. In 2023, Carolyn and Jon’s ‘Constructing Minds Garden’ was awarded RHS Best Show Garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park and they also exhibited at RHS Tatton in 2024 with The 1804 Garden.

The garden legacy

After the show, the garden is being relocated to a development site on Ascot Park, a collaboration between Places for People and Gascoyne Estates. Gascoyne Estates manages the land and property interests of the historic Cecil family, who have owned and stewarded the Hatfield Park estate and surrounding areas for over 400 years. The organisation takes a long-term responsible approach to landownership, prioritising sustainability, biodiversity and the creation of thriving communities.