The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens

A lush garden with various flowering plants, stone wall, and potted plants on shelves, surrounded by greenery.

Show

Chelsea Flower Show

Year

2023

Aspens is a charity which supports people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities and the garden focuses on the connection between nature and health and well-being

The curved nature of the design reflects the neurons/plants roots spreading through the garden from the nucleus seating area. Each planting zone targets specific senses and every aspect of the planting has been included for sensory stimulation.

There is a calming colour palette to encourage wildlife and provide a peaceful, tranquil natural haven to be enjoyed by Aspens' community. After the show it will be relocated to Aspens in Kent to be used by the charity's residents and visitors who are on the autism spectrum, with learning disabilities or who have complex needs.

Potted plant with succulents and flowers on stone shelf surrounded by greenery
Three people standing outdoors, two women and a man. The woman on the left wears a red striped dress and a hat, holding a book. The woman in the center wears a beige dress. The man on the right wears traditional attire and holds a musical instrument, a clarinet. A harmonium rests on the ground in front. Lush greenery surrounds them.
Outdoor garden with tiered stone shelves holding potted succulents and plants, in front of a lush green hedge, with a large rock bench at the bottom.

The Garden Beyond

Our countryside border is a modern interpretation of how traditional agricultural farming materials can be re-purposed in a countryside garden. It distils how a modern-day garden design can evoke a feeling of the countryside in a way that is achievable and sympathetic to countryside surroundings, but also sustainable - re-using and re-purposing everyday agricultural materials.

A collaboration with designer and friend Lyndan Brewer.

Award: Professionals Choice Award.

Show
Belvoir Castle

Year
2021

Illustration of a raised garden bed filled with a variety of lush green plants and tall flowers, surrounded by a wooden frame.
Green plants and ferns around a metal container.
Feathery grass with long, delicate strands in a vibrant green garden with blurred foliage background.
Two people sitting at the back of a van filled with potted plants, holding two pots each, on a gravel surface.