A ‘Together Garden’ is being showcased as RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show before being moved to a permanent home at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham.

The deeply-moving space has been created by designers Phil Hirst and Joanne Charlton and is designed to offer moments of reflection, connection, and peace.

It features curved timber benches which invite visitors to sit together, with a bespoke canopy providing shelter alongside two sculptural elements representing hands held together to symbolise comfort and unity.

These have been designed in partnership with Dudleys Consulting Engineers and Greenfingers Charity.

After a debut at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, the garden will be reimagined as a permanent, tranquil space outside one of the hospice’s bereavement suites, offering families a peaceful place to make memories and find comfort during the most-difficult times.

Rob Thomson, associate at Dudleys Consulting Engineers, said: “We are honoured to have been asked to help in delivering the Together Garden, which 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 while 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.”

Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications at Greenfingers Charity which funds the design, build and care of children’s hospices nationally, added: “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.

“Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is already known for its beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, which play a vital role in its work with families and the addition of the Together Garden will further enhance this environment.

Heidi Hawkins, chief executive of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, told Healthcare Property: “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.”