The design concept of a heart-healing garden evokes elements of the vascular system, with the dramatic hardscaping suggesting arteries, veins and blood cells contrasting with soft, textural green planting.

Blood red powder-coated steel arches emerge from the layered foliage to frame a walkway to the central seating area. Opposite, a tranquil black pool is crossed with organic red resin structures, which are suspended within aquatic planting. Reminiscent of blood cells, they act as glowing stepping stones across the water and provide vivid illumination at night. More curved steel forms emerge from the water creating a bold focal point at the centre of the garden.

The planting includes Salix caprea, a willow selected for its healing properties, and limes with edible young heart shaped leaves which rise above a green living wall. Peonies and wild strawberries add beautiful red accents alongside a gorgeous selection of bold, textural foliage.

Client Quote:

“Ann-Marie designed and built the BHF Chelsea Garden for out 50th anniversary year 2011. She was a joy to work with and turned the ideas for a ‘mending broken hearts garden’ into a fantastic reality. Heart health is the key to overall health and the garden was a wonderful naturalistic expression of how to live a heart healthy life, as well and a beautiful place to be and think.

Princess Beatrice’s jaw dropped when she saw the garden on her visit on the Monday night and artist Sir Peter Blake was very complimentary.”