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Southend on Sea Borough Council have returned to the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show this year with a garden that is not only beautifully designed but has also serves an important purpose.

The council’s early help family support & youth offending service - along with support from the Dementia community support team – have entered the prestigious flower show.

The Therapeutic Garden aims to highlight the beneficial role that plants and gardening have in supporting people living with dementia, anxiety and other mental illnesses.

The design depicts a ‘priory garden’ but instead of the usual box hedging it features four accessible WoodBlocX corner raised beds. With bright, colourful planting featuring eucalyptus, thyme and eryngium, plants specially selected for their health-enhancing properties, to lift the visitor’s mood and attract wildlife.

The garden has been designed by Tony Wagstaff from the council’s early help, family support & youth offending service, he has worked on the garden with young people as part of their community reparation, this activity has enabled them to work towards a City and Guild Level 1 in Practical Horticulture Skills.

This garden is a fantastic example of using gardening as a form of rehabilitation and we hope that Tony and his team receive excellent recognition for the garden at the show.

Once the show has finished the garden will be relocated to Cluniac Gardens in Southend-on-Sea. In recognition of the Cluniac monks who founded Prittlewell Priory in the town in the 12th century.

If Tony's use of WoodBlocX in his RHS Hampton Garden has inspired you, take a look at our different raised bed kits, we have everything from square and rectangular raised beds to circular and L-shaped raised beds and many more designs. If you can't find what you're looking for use our free bespoke design service.

Awards & Accreditations

  • WoodBlocX Queen's Awards
  • Made in Britain Badge
  • feefo Platinum Service Award