Gold Medal
Mindful Chef's Gathering
The story
A traditional orchard is reimagined for a smaller garden in this solution-focused design, bringing together the enjoyment of growing and harvesting home produce with a strong commitment to nature recovery. Since the 1950s, an estimated 90% of traditional orchards in England and Wales have been lost through neglect, development and conversion to intensive farming methods. The resulting loss of biodiversity, cultural heritage and carbon-rich habitats has underscored the urgency of this distinctive garden.
The space is highly sustainable and naturalistic, demonstrating how gardens can be created with minimal intervention and unprocessed materials. Beneath fruiting and nut trees, a wildlife-friendly understorey of edible and ornamental planting brings together pollinator favourites, winter seedheads and a vibrant palette of lilac, purple and orange tones. Wildlife boxes, a bespoke green roof shed, a natural pond and a native hedgerow add to the complexity of the orchard habitat.
A central deck provides a gathering area where friends and neighbours can meet, enjoy homegrown produce and feel closer to nature. Underpinning this is the idea that domestic gardens shouldn't be seen as isolated private spaces, but as a patchwork of interconnected habitats that, collectively, can help restore local food production, nature and community life.
Recognition
-
Gold MedalRHS
-
RHS Environmental Innovation AwardRHS
