Sunday Times Garden Design Competition, 1992: First Prize

REEP Award 2005 Burley Woodhead School Sensory Garden

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 1999: Silver Gilt Award

Burley Woodhead School wanted to provide an environment to allow the children space to explore nature; spaces for carrying out their own planting and provision of a range of sensory experiences. Through liaison with the school committee, Helen provided design proposals that consisted of an entrance arch (artist designed); a growing area; sensory garden; gathering space and perimeter shelter planting. The garden received a REEP award (The Religious, Educational and Environmental Programme – in association with the RHS and the National Trust) in 2005.

The exhibition garden was designed to represent one corner of a contemporary courtyard and consisted of a planted edge contained in a stainless steel planter and a natural stone paved area to accommodate a small table and chairs. The garden also incorporated various mosaic pieces, individually designed for the space by artist Joanna Kessel. The design explored the striking colour combination of cool blue/greens and warm reds/purples and was expressed not only in the plants but also in the paving and mosaic details.

Judges Verdict: “The great merit of the design, apart from its excellent detailing and fine presentation, were felt to be its appropriateness to the site and the harmony with which it will marry the house and the surrounding gardens. It was also felt that it resolved imaginatively and economically, several problems. For example, a collapsed wall will be replaced by a “viewing mound”, formed from excavations to create a sunken lawn. It was felt that a feature such as this would have pleased the flamboyant Holms”. Graham Rose, Gardening Editor, Sunday Times.