The National Brain Appeal's Rare Space
Sanctuary Gardens
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The garden has been designed taking inspiration from people living with rare forms of dementia, particularly visual and spacial forms of the disease. Using their lives to inform a space which can offer autonomy, hope and encourage activity among those affected.
The result is a place of contrasting materials, to help identify and locate structural components, and a simple layout that provides a balance between exploration and calm navigation. Central to this is a level path which turns through the garden and three seating areas with visually contrasting shelters of bright colours to help people discover the garden independently.
Together these elements showcase a bespoke environment for people living with dementias so they can find a place of enjoyment and refuge in a challenging world.
BBC / RHS People’s Choice Award
All Show Gardens
![The RHS and Eastern Eye Garden of Unity](/getmedia/93c51354-7138-4ce3-a824-ca06a76b2a61/Chelsea2023_TIM1141_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
![Cavernoma on My Mind ](/getmedia/0f179285-f5a9-458e-8f0b-329222a673a7/Chelsea2023_TIM0438_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
![Hamptons Mediterranean Garden](/getmedia/bf7a98ed-71db-4914-b9c3-5cc6bd510db8/Chelsea2023_TIM0372_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
![The RHS and Eastern Eye Garden of Unity](/getmedia/93c51354-7138-4ce3-a824-ca06a76b2a61/Chelsea2023_TIM1141_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
![Cavernoma on My Mind ](/getmedia/0f179285-f5a9-458e-8f0b-329222a673a7/Chelsea2023_TIM0438_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
![Hamptons Mediterranean Garden](/getmedia/bf7a98ed-71db-4914-b9c3-5cc6bd510db8/Chelsea2023_TIM0372_May-21,-2023.jpg?width=1088&height=612&ext=.jpg)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.