Southend Young Offenders' A Place to Think

Did you know...

• Scorched wood from the last fire at Southend pier mingles with the shingling in the seating area
• The 11th garden by the group the team are striving for a Gold mdeal this year, while also working towards a City and Guild level one in practical horticulture skills

About the garden

A Place to Think is an informal garden designed to offer young people a space to talk and reflect. The relaxed environment enables students to focus and study for exams while also providing a safe and enclosed area. 

The combination of warm pinks, shades of purple and cool blues creates a calming atmosphere across the garden. Oak planks are used to create the path and pick up on the stem colour of the Betula nigra, which adds height and structure to the space. Dark steel water troughs break up the planting while a white marble sculpture draws the eye to the seating area behind.

The construction of the garden has given young offenders the opportunity to develop their practical skills, teamwork and self confidence.

Thanks also to EverEdge, Instant Hedges, Melcourt, Dyofix, 369 Marketing Ltd, Louisa Smith at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Rolawn and Deepdale Trees.