Designed and built for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, this collaborative project with Sarah Eberle formed the centrepiece of the show's prestigious Iconic Horticultural Hero Garden. The brief was to realise a garden that not only showcased Sarah’s global inspiration and ecological storytelling, but one that would place strong emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship, and wellness — all key values we hold at E Williams Landscapes.
The garden was conceptualised as a biodiverse journey through a series of interconnected ecosystems. From dry Mediterranean-inspired plantings to lush temperate layers and tropical canopy, each zone explored the interrelation between environment and wellbeing. We worked closely with Sarah to interpret these themes into built form, using a natural material palette and construction techniques that left the lightest possible footprint on the land.
Over 200 tonnes of soil and boulders were used to sculpt the terrain, defining views and habitats across the garden. Carefully positioned stone monoliths evoked a sense of permanence, while also serving to anchor the surrounding textural planting. A winding sandy path offered a tactile route through the space, guiding visitors through a dynamic series of vignettes — each bursting with life and texture.
The planting was truly global in its inspiration, featuring an extraordinary range of species from arid, temperate, and tropical regions. Palms, agaves, acanthus, and grasses all played against one another in a composition that felt at once painterly and precise. Every plant was chosen not only for its form and tone, but for its ecological value — many possessing edible, medicinal or climate-resilient qualities.
We constructed each element with an ethos of craft and care, from hand-compacted paths to discreet irrigation solutions and structural planting support. Our team worked alongside Sarah’s vision to bring natural theatre into balance with horticultural science — celebrating the garden not as a static exhibit, but as a living, evolving ecosystem.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the build was the sense of community among the team. Designers, landscapers, growers, and volunteers worked side by side, sharing in the creation of something that felt truly meaningful. The atmosphere throughout was one of generosity, creativity, and purpose — a spirit that resonated with the public, many of whom described the space as transportive and deeply calming.
As a celebration of biodiversity, cultural landscape narratives and wellbeing, this project was more than just a show garden — it was an immersive experience that invited reflection and reconnection. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing Sarah’s bold and beautiful vision to life at one of the UK's most beloved horticultural festivals.