The story
The garden is conceived as a restorative naturalistic space that honours the compassionate palliative care of Thames Hospice. Nestled among the planting, stands a very special elephant sculpture painted by British artist, illustrator and author Charlie Mackesy which will feature as part of the charities upcoming 'Trunks Across the Thames' art trail.
The planting design draws inspiration from Mackesy's work, expressed through a muted palette of pastels—lilac, blush pink, sage and pale primrose - layered with deeper, shadowed tones, evoking the passage from grief's darkness towards moments of light and reassurance. Airy, cloud-like textures drift through the space, suggesting a shifting sky and the gentle, ever-changing character of the Thames-side landscape.
A winding path leads visitors through the garden, encouraging slow movement and contemplation. Along the way, accessible seating offers places to rest, while a simple reflective water bowl provides a moment of
stillness.
The planting reflects an ornamental interpretation of the landscapes found along the nearby Thames Path. Waterside species such as iris and river birch are woven with the structure of woodland planting—ferns and yew— before opening into looser, meadow-like drifts of grasses and umbellifers. Lightness and transparency run throughout: fennel and smoke bush create soft, cloud-like layers, while molinia grasses and tall Thalictrum provide airy screening, offering seclusion whilst still allowing glimpses beyond. The garden is a place for contemplation, offering reassurance and hope in honour of the hospice's work.
Following the Royal Windsor Flower Show The Garden of Hope will be relocated to Thames Hospice in Bray.
360° tour
Loading panorama...
Unable to load panorama tour.
Click and drag to look around, click hotspots or arrows to move. Scroll to zoom. Tap and drag to look around, tap hotspots or arrows to move. Pinch to zoom.
