Horatio’s gold medal garden, RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Horatio’s Garden, a standout garden at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, was created as a testament to the power of nature in nurturing wellbeing for those affected by spinal injuries. The garden’s core mission was to transform outdoor spaces within NHS spinal injury centres into vibrant and purposeful havens, designed to foster both physical and psychological recovery.

The project, funded by Project Giving Back was the creation of Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg from Harris Bugg Studio. They aim to focus on exceptional design, the connection between people and the natural world, and the inventive and astute use of plants and materials. Every detail was considered to create a restorative retreat that would form the antithesis of a clinical hospital environment. The client wished to incorporate eco-friendly solutions in every element of the garden, so approached Cemfree for a bespoke solution for its wheelchair-friendly paths.

Horatio’s Garden includes several original and inclusive features within its design. These include a water feature at wheelchair height, layered planting for everyone to enjoy whether in a wheelchair or lying down in a hospital bed, a cocooning garden room for emotional solace, and accessible paths that would allow pain-free movement, especially for those using a wheelchair for the first time. Poundfield, working on behalf of Harris Bugg Studio, were tasked with creating a permeable slab, using recycled aggregates that would still have a completely smooth surface.

The clients also required colour consistency throughout the pathways and wanted it to appear as one continuous slab to avoid uneven surfaces and joints that would prove difficult for wheelchair users. It was also important for the clients to have an environmentally-conscious solution; therefore, they chose Cemfree as it was able to offer the garden impressive carbon savings. It would be the first time Cemfree was used to create a permeable slab, as well as being cut and polished so testing was required for a risk-free approach.