What Is The Together Garden At RHS Wentworth Woodhouse And How Is It Helping A Charity?

Have you ever been in a garden and just felt… better? Like all the noise in your head quiets down for a bit. There’s something special about being in a green, peaceful place. Now, imagine a garden designed specifically to bring people together and offer comfort when they need it most. That’s exactly what a fantastic team has created with the ‘Together Garden’.

It’s a project that brings together thoughtful design, clever engineering, and a whole lot of heart, all in support of a wonderful charity. This isn't just any old flowerbed; it’s a story about community, connection, and creating a lasting space for peace.

More than just a pretty garden

Let's be honest, we all love a gorgeous garden. But the Together Garden is so much more. It's a project born from a collaboration between the Greenfingers Charity and the engineering whizzes at Dudleys Consulting Engineers. The whole idea was to create a moving, thoughtful space designed to help people find a moment of peace and connection. It’s not just about looking nice; it’s about feeling nice, too.

The garden was dreamed up by designers Phil Hirst and Joanne Charlton. They pictured a space where families could sit together on curved timber benches, chat, reflect, or just be quiet for a while. To make it usable in any weather, it includes a beautiful shelter, a bespoke canopy that offers protection from the sun or a bit of drizzle. The whole design is meant to create a feeling of comfort and unity, a safe haven for making memories. The focus is on creating a beautiful outdoor space that does some real good.

The clever design behind the comfort

When you look at the Together Garden, you’ll see it’s been put together with a lot of care. It’s not just a few plants and a bench. The design features sculptural elements that look like hands held together – a lovely symbol for support and comfort. Everything is curved and flowing, which makes the space feel soft and inviting. You’re meant to want to come in, sit down, and feel that sense of connection.

The star of the show, in many ways, is the bespoke canopy. It’s not your average gazebo. This is a specially designed structure that provides shelter without closing the space off. The challenge was to create a unique design that was both beautiful and practical. This is where the engineers came in, providing vital support to bring the designers' vision to life. The whole garden design works together to create an atmosphere of calm and peace for families.

From a flower show to a forever home

This special garden is making its first appearance at the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, from 16 until 20 July 2025. It’s a chance for lots of people to see it and understand the story behind it. Think of it like a movie premiere, but for a garden! It’s a big platform to showcase the amazing work the charity does.

But the best part? After the show, the garden isn’t just packed away. It’s getting a permanent home where it’s needed most. The entire Together Garden will be moved and reimagined at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham. It will become a permanent, peaceful retreat right outside one of the hospice’s bereavement suites. This means it will be there for families going through the toughest times, offering a quiet outdoor space for reflection and comfort during end-of-life care.

The techy bit: making it all stand up

So, you have this beautiful design with a curved, elliptical roof. How do you actually build it so it’s safe? That’s a job for a structural engineer. The team from Dudleys Consulting Engineers, a company based in Leeds, were brought in to provide their expert advice on the bespoke canopy.

Their job was to figure out the maths and physics to make sure the shelter was strong and stable, without using huge, clunky poles that would ruin the look. It's a bit of a balancing act! Rob Thomson, an Associate at Dudleys, explained it well:

“We are honoured to have been asked to help in delivering the Together Garden that will provide a lasting legacy as a peaceful retreat and some comfort for those who most need it.”

“The canopy is a unique structure with curved columns and elliptical roof. Our challenge has been to minimise the size of the structural elements whilst making sure it remains stable and safe. We delivered multiple design iterations of a complex geometry using our state-of-the-art analysis tools, alongside our deep understanding of structural engineering within a tight timescale so that it is ready in time for the show later this month.”

Basically, they used cool computer tools to test lots of versions of the design until they found one that was both delicate and super-strong. It’s this kind of behind-the-scenes work that makes amazing projects like this possible. This kind of work is part of their broader expertise across all key real estate sectors.

A team effort for a brilliant cause

This whole project is a brilliant example of what can happen when people work together. The Greenfingers Charity is the driving force, raising money and organising projects like this for children’s hospices all over the country. Their fundraising efforts make a huge difference.

Linda Petrons, from Greenfingers Charity, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be part of RHS Wentworth Woodhouse for the very first time. It’s a fantastic platform to raise awareness of the work we do, and to introduce even more people to the power of gardens in creating comfort and connection during life’s most challenging moments.”

And the hospice is hugely grateful. Bluebell Wood already has lovely gardens, but this new addition will provide something extra special. It's a testament to the power of community and a company's commitment to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. Dudleys often supports local charitable causes and important conservation projects, and this is a perfect example.

Heidi Hawkins, the Chief Executive of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, added:

“Having a beautiful, tranquil and welcoming outdoor space for our families to spend time together and reflect when they’re going through incredibly difficult circumstances is so important. The impact that the garden will have when it arrives at our hospice cannot be underestimated. It’s wonderful to see the designs come to life at Wentworth Woodhouse, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the garden to Bluebell Wood, where it will benefit babies, children, young adults and their families during end-of-life care.”

How you can see it for yourself

Fancy seeing this amazing garden? You can! Just book tickets for the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, which runs from 16th to the 20th of July, 2025. It’s a chance to see the beautiful design up close before it moves to its forever home to provide comfort to so many families.

And if you’re inspired by this story, you can learn more about the brilliant work the Greenfingers Charity does by visiting their website. Every bit of support helps them create more special places like the Together Garden, providing peace and creating precious memories for those who need it most. It's a wonderful way to bring people together.