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The garden

Shared Breath highlights the collective reliance of all human beings on a finite, shared resource: oxygen. Its aim is to encourage meaningful conversations around death and end-of-life care and to raise awareness of the vital work carried out by the hospice charity Dorothy House.

An abundance of colourful nectar-rich perennials, roses and flowering shrubs fills the space, with a multi-stem Acer campestre providing structure and shade. Aside from a narrow path of recycled crushed shells, the ground is fully planted to maximise COâ‚‚ capture. The design also features a small table and a shallow water bowl made from porous, low-carbon green cement, treated with yoghurt and cow dung to attract lichens and mosses.

By bringing a variety of life into the garden, this vibrant space wants to support those who are coming to terms with a particularly difficult time.

Key plants: 

• Geranium DREAMLAND (cranesbill) is a perennial with dense foliage and long blooming period of pink flowers. It thrives in sun or partial shade and supports bees. The essential oil can provide anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti bacterial properties

• Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) has large leaves and tall stems and is very hardy and tolerant of dry conditions. Excellent for pollinators, Echinacea is a well known herbal remedy for boosting the immune system with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties

• Rudbeckia fulgida (black-eyed Susan) is a reliable, robust, and long-lived perennial. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and has been historically used for swellings, sores and skin irritations

• Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle) provides dense groundcover. Traditionally this plant was used for its astringent properties, for digestive issues, wounds and skin irritations

• Viburnum tinus is a low maintenance shrub that provides a crucial early source of nectar and pollen for bees. Dense evergreen foliage offers excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds

The designer â€“ 

Charlotte has been creating beautifully crafted gardens for private clients across the UK for nearly 25 years. With a deep passion for landscape and planting that nurtures rich habitats for local wildlife, her work is rooted in thoughtful design and a genuine love for the natural world. Charlotte’s designs can be described as timeless, immersive spaces, where a strong connection is formed between a client’s home and the natural world beyond. She is known for her open, collaborative approach, listening closely to clients’ ideas to create gardens that feel personal, vibrant, and enduring.

The garden legacy

The garden will be moved to Dorothy House, Winsley, Bradford on Avon after the show where they will form part of the new healing gardens of the Bath Institute for Supportive Care located at Dorothy House.