The RHS and Eastern Eye Garden of Unity

The RHS and Eastern Eye newspaper have joined forces along with garden designer Manoj Malde, the RHS’ Ambassador for diversity and inclusivity, to create a garden to promote horticulture for everyone, everywhere. 

A colour palette of orange and pink is inspired by Manoj’s Indian heritage and the boldness of clashing sari colours worn by Indian women. There are marigolds used in Hindu worship and colourful spices set out on the table alongside little oil lamps (diya), which are used at festivals and religious ceremonies.

With his background in fashion, Manoj is celebrating the Indian artisan skills of hand embroidery and embellishment through scatter cushions and a Kuba cloth that touches upon his African roots.

Sustainability is a key principle in the garden, from peat-free planting to the use of reclaimed materials, such as the pathway created from limestone slabs and slivers of recycled limestone.

Bright posts positioned around the garden with sentences in braille, demonstrate that gardens and gardening are for everyone regardless of race, colour, creed, sexuality or disability – a space to garden and be included with kindness and humanity is every person's birthright.