The Samaritans’ Listening Garden by Darren Hawkes wins Silver Gilt in the Show Gardens category. See here for the full list of Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze Medal awards.
The Samaritans’ Listening Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 is inspired by courageous people who asked for help in their darkest times.
Designed by award-winning garden designer and Samaritans volunteer, Darren Hawkes, the Show Garden celebrates the life-changing impact of listening. Marking 70 years since Samaritans’ founder Chad Varah took the first call to what would become the Samaritans’ helpline, the garden shows that is always possible for things to change.
Over the past seven decades, the charity has answered more than 134 million calls from people struggling to cope. Meanwhile, in 2022 Samaritans volunteers spent almost one million hours responding to calls for help, with the team responding to a call every 10 seconds.
Garden highlights include a sunken level with a sculptural bench which allows visitors to sit, talk, listen, and be heard, plus suspended concrete panels above a planting layer of spiny plants and dark colours.
Samaritan’s Garden illustration
Other garden features include:
- The sound of gushing water
- At the front of the garden, the spines of Aralia chapaensis, Rosa and Eryngium provoke a feeling of foreboding
- A collection of Ulmus minor
- A bench for people to sit and ponder
- Sculptural seats positioned around the garden to remind us that taking time to talk can change our perspective on the world
“We are so grateful to Darren and Project Giving Back for gifting us with this unique opportunity to raise awareness of the life saving work Samaritans does, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said.
“Last year, Samaritans volunteers spent almost one million hours responding to calls for help. Darren’s role as one of our 23,000 amazing volunteers has led him to create a beautiful representation of something he knows first hand – that listening can save lives. As we mark 70 years, we hope that visitors will be inspired to support us in whatever way they can, to ensure Samaritans continues to be there in the future.”
Following the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden will be permanently relocated at a Samaritans branch for all to enjoy.
15 stylish garden parasols and garden umbrellas for summer
Best Garden Parasols 2023 – Large Parasol
French Pink/Antique White Stripe Outdoor Parasol
We love the vintage look of this striped garden parasol. It’s been constructed with a solid beechwood pole (FSC-certified) and a UVF50+ and water-resistant canvas canopy.
The multi-position tilt function avoids moving the parasol around throughout the day.
This white and gold design will complement a garden with any colour or border scheme. Cream tassels line the edge with shells attached, which make a subtle sound in a breeze. The umbrella is made from bamboo and durian wood which is native to Indonesia.
Best Garden Parasols 2023 – Garden Umbrella
Nude And Mustard Fringed Beach Umbrella
Perfect for the beach or in your garden, this striped parasol makes a real statement, adding colour and character to any space. It is made using a beech wood pole, steel wire ribs and polyester fabric. It comes with a matching fabric carrier bag, too.
Best Garden Parasols 2023 – Decorative Parasol
Black Spot/Ecru Large Tassel Fringed Outdoor Parasol
This garden parasol is sure to make a style statement, thanks to its playful print and charming tassels. It can be tilted in multiple different ways, so you’ll always be protected from the sun.
This classic garden parasol is simple and versatile, making it a great choice for just about any garden. The canopy is also made of fade-resistant, water-repellent polyester, ensuring it will stay beautiful season after season
