RHS Horticultural Practice Diploma Student, Lucy Stephens has been named this year’s winner of the RHS Design & Build competition.
Every year, students on the Level 4 RHS Diploma in Horticultural Practice at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, put forward a project, with the winning design going on to be built by the students.
Stephen’s design, titled ‘The Glade’, envisions a sanctuary clearing, offering a pocket of tranquillity for “anyone using the garden to feel immersed in nature”, as she explains:
“I want the space to act as a safe and happy/bright clearing amongst whatever might be going on in the lives of those who visit it.”
She goes on to note that the garden “has a strong focus on encouraging wildlife”, through the use of a pollinator favoured planting pallet, as well as a habitat wall and wildlife houses throughout.
Stephens’ winning designed, titled ‘The Glade’.
Taking into account the land’s already established history, Stephens incorporated existing features into her design, and took care to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
“The planting has been chosen to suit the shady conditions of the garden. All existing trees and shrubs are remaining and have been worked into the design so as to avoid incurring additional costs and environmental implications.”
Cultivated versions of plants commonly found along river banks and canals, such as loosestrife, hemp agrimony, filipendula and iris, are included in the scheme “to help the garden blend in with its surroundings.”
Continuing with the planting focus, the winding and curved structure of the garden, as Stephens notes, echoes that of an unfurling fern: “In the brief, fractal patterns were mentioned and I really liked the idea of these repeated patterns throughout nature being healing.”
She notes that the healing power of nature inspired the design, highlighted specifically in the craft coppice “with hazels and cornus to cut and use as weaving materials”, a dedicated space for foraging, and a seating area:
“These are all intended to encourage strengthening the visitor’s connection to nature and helping them feel restored in doing so.”
Stephens who says this is design is a “dream come true”, has also weaved functionality and community engagement throughout the space through the use of zoning, noting:
“The garden has distinct areas for activities, some for a large group of people such as the yoga lawn or craft gazebo, and other spaces for people to sit and have a conversation or reflect.”
Stephens own love for being outdoors and surrounded by nature is echoed throughout the design; creating a space that facilitates open engagement with not just other people, but with wildlife too – it will be brought to life later this year.
Well done, Lucy – what a fantastic achievement. Can’t wait to see this wonderful design brought to life.