Entering the garden, visitors will be greeted by an arch of 160 elephant tusks, representing the number of elephants killed by poachers each day in Africa. This garden draws on the gruesome ivory trade that is still present today. Sponsored by Tusk & Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, this gardens contractor is Hythe Garden Landscapes with plants supplied by Plantbase and Harts Nursery.

Q&A with the garden designer, Mark Whyte:

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

The trees, as we’re trying to get them from Oman into the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has said it’s never had to deal with something like it before. Fortunately, the British Army has stepped in over there, and might be bringing the trees over for us. It’s also a big challenge to make the tusks as authentic as possible, to invoke emotion in visitors.

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

There will be 80 pairs of tusks, all different sizes, as on average 80 elephants are killed each day through poaching. The public can walk around this ring of tusks, and in the middle will be a watering hole and an elephant skeleton. It’s quite sombre, but it sends a powerful message.

Are there any new/unique plants visitors should look out for?

There will be a variety of African plants, with native and non-native grasses. There will also be a lot of bulbs to add a splash of colour to the garden.