The Glasshouse Garden

The Glasshouse Garden celebrates the transformative effect of second chances through horticulture. It embodies the sense of purpose, self-belief and hope The Glasshouse programme offers to women as they approach the end of their prison sentences, through a programme of horticultural training, employment and resettlement support.

An immersive space centred around a translucent elliptical pavilion emerging from the foliage, the Garden is full of sensory delights. Jewel-like colours and fragrant flowers sway to the sound of water from a narrow rill which winds its way through the space connecting different areas and ending in a tranquil pool.

The planting is rich and full of texture and includes beautiful river birch trees, ferns, grasses and roses including, Rosa ‘Tuscany Superb’, Rosa ‘Charles de Mills’, and Rosa ‘Emma Bridgewater’. The planting colours are inspired by the notion of ‘strong beauty’ in a palette of deep reds and muted pinks.

The pavilion has a series of pivoting screens made from recycled acrylic which open like petals and have a tint which compliments the colour palette of the plants.

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
The garden is made for the participants of The Glasshouse programme – women based in UK prisons who receive horticultural training, employment and resettlement support as they approach the end of their sentence and plan for a successful return to society.
Where is the garden set?
A women’s prison in the South of England.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
The love of nature and beauty of plants of the women inmates.
 

Garden legacy:

The garden will be relocated to a women’s prison in the South of England.


Check back to discover more about the designers, the sponsors and the plants.