Guide Dogs’ 90th Anniversary Garden

The Guide Dogs’ Garden celebrates 90 years of the first four guide dog partnerships with an emotive, wildflower garden that tells a story and with a look back to the 1930s. The first guide dogs were German shepherds and their owners were veterans blinded in World War One.

Using sculpture and sensory elements, the garden illustrates the journey somebody with sight loss takes, from a place of darkness, fear and isolation into a world of enrichment, acceptance, joy, liberation and independence with the help of their guide dog.

Ferns and dark foliage plants feature and are contrasted with colourful meadow planting. Bold blocks of contrasting colours are present here – an element partially-sighted people appreciate. Other plants add sensory elements. This is a simple but striking and memorable garden with a strong message of hope.