Gold Medal Winner – Room to Breathe Hospital Garden
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The Room to Breathe Hospital Garden for the TSA was unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2025 and awarded a Gold Medal!
Inspired by the healing power of nature, the garden reimagines a hospital courtyard as a sanctuary — a calming space where parents and caregivers can escape, recharge, and find a quiet ‘Room to Breathe’.
A lasting legacy — the garden will be permanently relocated to Amersham Hospital in Buckinghamshire, where it will transform an underused courtyard into a sanctuary for patients, staff, and families: a peaceful space to pause, breathe, and restore.
Transforming small garden spaces into sanctuaries
This project reflects my belief in the healing power of nature to reduce stress and enhance well-being. The Room to Breathe garden reimagines a clinical hospital courtyard as a sanctuary — a quiet refuge created for rest, reflection, and renewal. Every element is carefully designed to promote calm, comfort, and a peaceful moment to pause and recharge.
At the heart of the garden is a sculptural cocoon-like hanging chair (from Raw Studio) — providing a comforting “hug” and a chance to pause, re-energise, and feel safe.
Layered planting in varied-height GRP Corten steel effect planters (from Europlanters) creates height and structure, enhancing the feeling of retreat.
The planting scheme is deliberately restrained to promote calm: a soothing palette of textured greens and whites illuminates the space, while pops of burgundy foliage add depth and interest.
Plant repetition, small tree specimens, and vertical features like the arbour add height and enclosure without sacrificing ground space.
Warm limestone Zarah Beigh Drivesetts (from ALLGREEN) pave the area, creating a soft, natural feel that complements the Corten-effect planters for a cohesive, inviting space.
A contemporary water feature with copper pipework enhances the tranquil atmosphere.
The pergola’s clever 45-degree design draws the eye upward and outward, making the space feel larger.
Photo Credits: Maria Savoskula and Ellie Walpole
I volunteer at Amersham Hospital, supporting the rejuvenation of its gardens.
This hands-on experience has shaped my approach to designing gardens that support well-being in healthcare settings.
More than just a garden, the Room to Breathe garden is a reminder of nature’s quiet strength — a place to reflect, renew, and recognise the vital role green spaces play in nurturing well-being.
I am proud to be collaborating on this project with Jen Donnelly, a long-term friend and co-designer of the Room to Breathe garden, from Jen Donnelly Garden Design.
To find out more about the garden and our wonderful supporters, click here.
Help us bring this garden to life!
We aim to raise £10K to help fund the relocation of the garden to Amersham Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
Together, we can make a difference!
RHS Chelsea garden re-imagined at Amersham Hospital - Entrance D