The Secret Garden: For Us, By Us

This garden draws inspiration from designer Hilary Newhall’s favourite childhood book, The Secret Garden, with high planting and fencing evocative of the story’s eponymous enclosed sanctuary. Herself autistic, the design aims to create a safe space for autistic individuals.
 
The planting in some areas is deliberately restrained, for sensory-avoidant individuals; whereas other areas have a wilder feel, for the benefit of sensory-seeking garden visitors.
 
Taste is catered for by a planting palette comprised exclusively of edibles, with a barbecue on hand to boil water for herbal teas. Touch is served by both plants, as well as bespoke sensory seating.
 
 A bubble fountain provides a soothing soundscape, pulsing at a calming 72 bpm, the rate of an average human heartbeat at rest. Key structural plants, such as Golden Chard and architectural Globe Artichokes, contribute to the yellow-and-purple colour scheme.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for?
Autistic people seeking a garden that provides tranquillity and sensory stimulation.
Where is the garden set?  
North West of England.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
The story of ‘The Secret Garden’ and the sanctuary needs of autistic individuals.
 

Key sustainability points

• The York Stone flags used for the paving are reclaimed stone.
• The Oak Posts for the Pergola are reclaimed oak railway sleepers, from a local reclamation company.
• The soil used for the planting is peat-free, our grower uses their own home blend of compost, since 2013.
• All the plants are edible.
• The herbs planted are naturally drought-resistant. For example, thyme, used as ground cover, helps prevent soil erosion and allows rainwater to infiltrate the soil.