The border
Built in tribute to the designer’s father and cousin, who both died of cancer, Time to heal is an informal interpretation of a physics garden. The space reflects her background as a doctor and features plants with year-round interest and recognised therapeutic properties, some of which are still used in modern medicine.
The hope is to inspire others to create a wellbeing garden at home and foster a deeper appreciation of how the natural world continues to influence modern medicine.
The planting
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii is praised for its spectacular white bark, rich in betulin – a potent anti-inflammatory and antitumour compound but there are also elements with symbolic resonance. Invasive Mentha species are contained within a stone planter to represent the idea of preventing cancer from spreading. And a stumpery illustrates how, even after death, decaying wood keeps feeding new plant life.
About the designer – Dr Sarah Fleming
Gardening is Sarah’s escape from her highly demanding, intensive and stressful job as a doctor and senior manager. She gardens as a hobby having been inspired by her grandad, who she used to help in the garden from a young age. She is proud to have been part of previous Sandringham Flower Show small garden club design competitions with the Sandringham Women's Institutes (WI) in which they won Gold medals in 2024 (Cottage garden) and 2025 (Secret garden).
The garden legacy
The garden will be relocated to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.
All Show Gardens
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.