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.
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.
8 stylish garden parasols, umbrellas and bases to enjoy this summer – including a £30 designer collab
Staycation Vintage Parasols Pavilion-Portico Blush Parasol
We love the chic, vintage look of this striped garden parasol. It's been constructed with a solid beechwood pole (FSC-certified) and a water-resistant, UVF50+ canvas canopy.
The multi-position tilt function means you can stay shaded through the day, without uprooting the entire parasol. It also comes with a handy carry bag in matching fabric
Who says parasol bases have to be boring? This super stylish number from Dunelm is weighty enough to support your umbrella while still adding some charming vintage appeal with its pretty scallop design.
Add a harmonious pop of colour with this zesty green tasseled parasol, with a delicate dappled print. Its ergonomic pulley system with a swivel handle makes putting it up and down a breeze, too.
Habitat x Scion Garden Parasol
An exclusive collaboration with quirky designers Scion, this pretty parasol features a whimsical floral print and tassels that will lend a relaxed, jolly feel to any garden.
Plus, it's adjustable and tilts so you can stay shaded as the sun moves throughout the day.
This striped parasol, complete with a fringe edging, will make a fun addition to any garden. Designed for ease, it has a push-up mechanism for a simple setup. Please note, the base is available to purchase separately.
Add shade to your next alfresco lunch or dinner with Rowen & Wren's vintage-inspired design, hand-made in small batches.
In a subtle pink, it features a tactile lined cover, antique brass hardware, and a traditional pulley rope and pin system for a timeless, heritage feel.
No parasol hole in your garden furniture set? No problem. This contemporary-style overhanging umbrella will sit neatly next to your table, while holding its canopy overhead.
This parasol is best suited to small-to-medium tables; we tried it with our 10-seater setup and a few seats at the end didn't get the full benefit.
Our writer found the parasol easy to set up within about 15 minutes, and they earned multiple compliments on its smart looks from guests. The crank handle works smoothly, and the parasol has UV30+ coating for a little extra sun protection.
The Happy Place Handmade Patio Parasol
Resplendent in fringing and tassels, this handmade garden parasol brings Balinese artistry to your garden. There are lots of well-considered details to enjoy here, including a durian wood pole.
This parasol would add a relaxed yet celebratory feel to any garden party or alfresco event – assuming you're happy to share the shade.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
