Evoke Garden Designs: The Trust Links Therapeutic Garden

The border 

The garden imitates extremes of our evolving British climate with both a dry garden and a bog garden, this being the analogy for mental resilience in challenging times. It is a therapeutic garden utilising wildlife attraction and sensory elements in the landscaping and planting to stimulate responses. The garden is a place to interact; feel leaf and flower textures, pause to hear water and the buzz of bees, smell the fragrance and see the play of light. 

A boulder inscription is a quote by naturalist John Burroughs and inscribed by Dan Meek. A mulch of pebbles and cobbles will retain moisture.

The planting

Sustainable planting is required in the East of England, where wet mild winters and scorching summers become the norm. Dry planting of white, blue, purple and pink contrast with yellow flowered bog plants.

Briza media, known as quaking grass, performs as an audible device. Buddleja ‘Pink Delight’ is used to attract pollinators and shade the pond. Cotinus coggyria ‘Young Lady’ has very soft plumes for a tactile experience. Lilium regale has strong, sweet fragrance to offer the sense of smell. Cynara cardunculus is a dramatic contrast to the planting. Swathes of Pennisetum alopecuriodes ‘Hameln’ complete the picture.

About the designer – Phil Clarke

Phil has a lifelong appreciation for nature, supported by over 20 years of horticultural experience. His designs celebrate the rhythm of the seasons and thoughtfully adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. He believes that beautiful outdoor spaces should work in harmony with nature. By integrating planting schemes that support the lifecycles of pollinators, he creates gardens that are not only resilient and sustainable but also alive with movement, colour, and form throughout the year. Every garden tells a story, and he works closely with clients to understand their vision while incorporating sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people who enjoy these spaces.

The garden legacy

After the show, Trust Links will receive the garden for their community wellbeing space in Rochford, Essex.