The iconic coastline of Southend-on-Sea, as well as the pier and beach, have inspired the construction of this garden, which has been created by young offenders from Southend in order to help them pave the way to a brighter future. This garden is sponsored and contracted by Southend Borough Council and the plant suppliers are Provender Nursery and Grafton Nursery.

Q&A with the garden designer, James Callicott:

What do you anticipate the biggest challenge of the build to be?

Making sure that we focus on the main reason why we are building the garden — to help this team of young people learn new skills and get jobs. For the team, it is an achievement just to get to Hampton Court, let alone win a medal. Hopefully everything has been well planned and the build should be really easy, although surprise challenges keep us designers on our toes.

What are the stand out feature(s) of the garden?

The gravel path wanders amongst plants, inspired by the waves of the sea, and leads to a decking area suitable for entertaining and relaxing. The design would work for a small back garden close to the property, requiring a family space to entertain and relax in. The decking will be made from recycled boards taken off the pier during restoration work 60 years ago, while a section of railway track in the front right corner of the garden is a nod towards the railway which runs along the pier, and is still in operation today. After the show, the garden will be moved to Southend-on-Sea where it will be displayed as part of the council’s 125th anniversary celebration.