Designed by Penelope Walker, the garden’s conceptual depictions, such as curved tree stems, symbolise Panathlon’s objective to normalise difference. A winding path through the centre promotes inclusion, in addition to creating a sense of space. The design also includes a fun and playful seating area with a distinct space for a wheelchair. Steam softened timber panels flow across the rear length of the garden.
The garden shows how to create an uplifting and colourful planting scheme for a more joyful look and feel. The key message behind the garden is that joy is for everyone and that all children deserve the chance to enjoy life.
The timber structures will be constructed from British reclaimed timber, which will help to raise awareness of this avenue for sourcing garden materials. The haunching will be constructed using Cem-free the cement alternative and the garden will include a diverse combination of plants to promoting bio-diversity. The mounds will consist primarily of ‘site-won’ soil i.e. left over soil sourced at the show from other gardens.
After the show, the garden will be relocated to Majorie McClure in Bromley in South London – a school that takes children with complex medical needs and physical disabilities which has recently relocated to a new site.
Founder of Llevelo Garden Design, Penelope Walker has worked on a wide variety of commercial and residential projects. She graduated from the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden and spent a year working at The Place for Plants; an independent Plant Nursery. In 2022, her RHS Chelsea trade show stand design was featured in an article titled ‘Five Trends to Watch Out for in 2022’ by Homes and Gardens UK.
The Panathlon Joy Garden is supported by Project Giving Back and will be built by Stewart Landscape Construction.