A show garden designed to imagine a nurturing space for victims of crime to receive support and recover from trauma has been awarded gold at RHS Tatton Park 2024.
The Safe Space Garden, sponsored by Victim Support, and designed by Chris Reynolds, 43, police officer turned garden designer from Hertfordshire, was commended for putting the user at the heart of its design.
The garden recognises the link between healing, emotional recovery and the natural world and was inspired by Reynolds’ decade long career in public service, working with victims of domestic abuse, antisocial behaviour, human trafficking and people experiencing homelessness.
The garden features three steel arches with seating underneath, their circular shape creating the feeling of safety whilst also representing a victims’ journey towards recovery.
The edges of the space are marked by large wooden ‘privacy pillars’ which help the user to feel secure but are not entirely confining, allowing them to glimpse into the world outside and a life beyond crime.
Reynolds’ use of plants and water is designed to be soothing and immersive, with plenty of green foliage and calming soft pallets, along with ever green shrubs, so that the garden can be used all year round.
Reynolds said:
“Having spent the majority of my career working with the police, charities and local authorities to support victims of crime, I wanted this garden to be a healing and nurturing place for people to receive support and talk through their experiences. Getting professional support is vital – but we never think about the impact your environment has on your ability to engage in therapeutic conversations and the help being offered. Every element of this garden is conceived to evoke a sense of calm and an onward journey towards recovery.
“I would love to kick start a movement to encourage outdoor spaces to be opened up to charities like Victim Support and others delivering support and counselling services.”
Katie Kempen, Chief Executive at the charity Victim Support said:
“Every element of this beautiful garden has been meticulously considered with victims’ needs and recovery in mind. Sadly, victims are often not treated with the respect or kindness they deserve and can be made to feel like an afterthought within the criminal justice system. It is so heart-warming to see the care and attention that has gone into creating this safe and supportive space. Chris should be incredibly proud of what he’s accomplished and I hope that anyone exploring the gardens this week who has been affected by crime finds comfort in this nurturing garden.”
This is Reynolds’ first show garden, after a career change which saw him retrain as a garden designer just two years ago in 2022.
Sustainable building practices have been used throughout – all of the materials have been recycled or repurposed and carbon free cement was used in the stonework.