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Crocus at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024

Muscular Dystrophy UK - Forest Bathing Garden, designed by Ula Maria sponsored by Project Giving Back and brought to life by Crocus

Last updated: May 2024

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Awarded Best in Show at RHS Chelsea 2024

The Muscular Dystrophy UK - Forest Bathing Garden is designed by Ula Maria. This main avenue garden is for Muscular Dystrophy and is sponsored by Project Giving Back and build by Crocus.

The ruins of a Victorian town house lie at the heart of the garden. The ruins of a Victorian town house lie at the heart of the garden.
A once thriving silver birch lies toppled but still supporting an incredibly biodiverse habitat. A once thriving silver birch lies toppled but still supporting an incredibly biodiverse habitat.
The shattered remains of the house is now being enveloped with a different kind of life. The shattered remains of the house is now being enveloped with a different kind of life.
Cleve has chosen a rich and diverse blend of planting, that mixes both native and ornamental species. Cleve has chosen a rich and diverse blend of planting, that mixes both native and ornamental species.
120,000 dots make up the painting surrounding the garden, reflecting the number of young homeless people in the UK today. 120,000 dots make up the painting surrounding the garden, reflecting the number of young homeless people in the UK today.
The garden encapsulates elements of both ruin and rejuvenation. The garden encapsulates elements of both ruin and rejuvenation.
The garden encapsulates elements of both ruin and rejuvenation. The garden encapsulates elements of both ruin and rejuvenation.

Designed as a sanctuary for people with those affected by muscle-wasting conditions, it will focus on creating an immersive and accessible garden that can offer a place of refuge for patients and families alike.The garden has been inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest atmosphere and reconnecting with nature through our senses. The planting will be inspired by a birch grove filled with shady woodland wonders.

We're incredibly excited to be building the garden for Ula Maria and can't wait to share more updates.

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The flint wall

The centrepiece of the garden is a large random-knapped flint wall. It has been chosen for its beautiful textures, which are also reminiscent of muscle cells. This wall combines the awareness around the devastating effect of Muscular Dystrophy on people's muscles while bridging the gap between us and the natural world.

The flint wall will also create a sheltered place where people can meet and share their experiences outside of a clinical environment, mirroring the support that Muscular Dystrophy UK gives its staff, patients and community.

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Ula's birch grove

Ula was inspired by a birch grove that encompasses the style of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). To create the forest bathing garden, she will plant forty trees. The birch trees will be underplanted with woodland-style plants, varying from deep shade to more sunnier woodland glades. Ula has focused on foliage with a green tapestry of textures and styles. Touches of occasional colour will bring the whole grove together.

More than 75% of the overall garden will be planted areas to encourage the natural environment.

The Plant List

GET THE LOOK

Plants we love from Ula's garden

<i>Aquilegia vulgaris</i> 'Nivea'
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Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nivea'

£3.99

<i>Tellima grandiflora</i>

40% off selected

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Tellima grandiflora

£19.99 £11.99

<i>Brunnera macrophylla</i> 'Betty Bowring'
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Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'

£29.97 £24.00

<i>Digitalis grandiflora</i>
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Digitalis grandiflora

£23.97 £19.99

<i>Briza media</i>

50% off selected

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Briza media

£18.99 £9.49

<i>Geum rivale</i>
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Geum rivale

£11.99

<i>Lamium orvala</i>
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Lamium orvala

£23.97 £19.99

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