We are presenting this important project with which we need some help - we're creating a show garden at the 2019 Hampton Court Palace Flower Show called "Calm Amidst Chaos". The aim of the project is to highlight the importance of creating peace and tranquility in our everyday lives so that we are better equipped to deal with the challenges of modern life.

The garden is being dedicated to the charity Maytree. Maytree is a remarkable charity offering a distinct approach to suicide prevention. Their aim is that every individual in suicidal crisis has access to a safe space where they will be heard, understood and supported. Maytree offer five-day stays in a calm and discreet house in Finsbury Park staffed by trained volunteers who provide non-medical befriending for the duration of a person’s stay.

While the garden we're creating will be a physical space that highlights the extremes of the physical world, it is also symbolic of the contrast we can feel within ourselves - both mentally and emotionally. The garden is here to promote the message that creating an inner sense of peace can be a powerful way to manage our daily lives better.

Below you can see a computer animated model of the garden I've designed for the show:

By now, most of us are aware that nature and green outdoor spaces can have a positive impact on our mental health, and by inviting a group of volunteers to plant this garden I hope to open conversations about those core conditions that are conducive towards good mental health. We are also aiming to take parts of the show garden to Maytree house itself so as to enhance the supportive, healing environment for future guests there.

The footfall at the flower show is in the region of 140,000, which is a sizeable captive audience, though my hope is that these conversations continue far afield and long after the event itself.

We need to raise at least £20,000 to create the project and are hoping that this crowd funded target of £8,000 will make a significant contribution towards the amount required. Any donation you can provide to help make this project possible would be gratefully received. Any amount raised over the target will go directly to Maytree.

Thank you in advance for whatever help you can provide.

You can see further details of how the garden 'Calm Amidst Chaos' by clicking this link.

* You can find out more about Maytree by following this link.