An immersive, multi-sensory, garden championing social belonging, inclusion and accessibility, will debut at this year’s renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London from 19-23 May. Hosted by international development charity Sightsavers, the garden is titled ‘We start with sight but we don’t stop there’. It invites visitors to experience nature through every sense.
Announcing the garden, Matthew Cornish, Development Manager at Sightsavers, says: “By immersing visitors in sound, scent, touch and texture, we aim to show that the beauty of the world isn’t limited to what we see.
“Beyond its vibrant colours, fragrance and textures, the garden carries a deeper message: That taking action to reduce inequality will improve lives, for people, communities, and the world. At a time when diversity and inclusion face global setbacks, the garden brings these topics to the forefront.”
Across the world, 1.1 billion people have an untreated or preventable vision impairment1; over 1 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases2; and there are more than 800 million people with disabilities in low and middle income countries3, many of whom face barriers accessing support.
The multi-sensory garden is a living expression of Sightsavers’ commitment to reducing global inequality through health and inclusion projects. Working with partners across Africa and Asia, the charity addresses eye conditions including cataracts and refractive error, treats and prevents debilitating diseases such as trachoma and river blindness, and promotes disability-inclusive development.
The design has been led by cultural practice Barker Langham with Ostara Garden Design, and created in partnership with the Belonging Forum, a non-profit organisation that aims to combat social isolation.
Reflecting on the garden design, Peter Karn from Barker Langham, comments: “Gardens are sensory spaces that have the power to nurture and heal. We feel that, by creating this garden, we can demonstrate how everyday spaces and materials can be transformed for good and for the health and happiness of people. The work of Sightsavers has inspired us to design a garden space that tells this powerful and moving story and is accessible to all.”
The garden embodies equality and accessibility through engaging all the senses and features such as a wheelchair turning circle and smooth self-binding gravel paths. Sustainability also runs through the heart of the garden. Permeable surfaces manage water runoff whilst a steel halo captures rainwater for wildlife. Pollinator-friendly planting, bee bricks, mortarless planters, and other elements further support sustainability.
Matthew concludes: “Whilst global leaders should take the lead on inclusion, accessibility and social belonging, visitors to Chelsea Flower Show and the public can also help shape a more equitable future. Your donations, influence, and awareness raising will support Sightsavers’ efforts to prevent avoidable blindness, protect communities from disease, and advance disability rights.”