A vibrant pocket garden with a small white pebble pond, rust-coloured metal edging, and dense plantings of pink, purple, and white flowers.
Pocket Planting Silver Medal

Silverhand Estate: The Butterfly Garden

Designed by Emma Atkinson
Photo: GardensDB
About this garden

The story

With butterfly populations declining across the UK, this garden delivers a clear message: the future of these fragile species doesn't require drastic action, but can be achieved through small, thoughtful everyday choices.

In response to the national emergency declared by Butterfly Conservation, every element in this border is chosen to give butterflies what they need to thrive: nectar-rich plants for adult specimens, host plants for caterpillars and sheltered spaces that offer protection from predators and harsh weather.

A small area of hard standing allows access without disturbing these delicate creatures, and a sunken bench offers a relaxing place to watch, count and appreciate the role of plants in supporting biodiversity.

As the show takes place just a week before the 2026 Big Butterfly Count (17 July-9 August), the garden invites renewed commitment to protecting these vital pollinators.

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Planting

Plant list

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Key Plants 7

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