A Sanctuary for Survivors

The garden was designed in partnership with John Warland and in collaboration with survivors of torture to provide a place of sanctuary and healing, where horticultural therapy calms, heals and restores on their journey to recovery.  It demonstrates best practice for the creation and relocation of show gardens.  Employing long-term sustainable techniques, it is a minimal waste, concrete-free, nectar-rich green space for wildlife and humans.

A sinuous rill, fed from an overflowing pithoi, runs through the garden and around the sunken seating area. This gentle sound of trickling water permeates the garden, bringing the focus away from the world outside, down into the garden.

Waves of willow wash through the garden, subtly diving the space, creating coves of tranquillity and resting spots along the stoney path.  The warm, tactile willow mutes external noise and clamour, enveloping the sitter: providing places of refuge and peacefulness.

Swathes of naturalistic planting, designed to stimulate happier memories of homelands far away, sweep around the sunken seating area and across the garden. The planting is steeped in significance: from the fig tree that traditionally indicates the presence of hidden water, to the beautiful edimentals chosen by survivors to remind them of home, such as chickpea, nigella and poppy.  The plants too are survivors, able to tolerate harsh conditions and a changing climate.

Finally, an elegant curved wooden bench, with the word ‘freedom’ inscribed into the cedar of Lebanon timber in five different languages invites survivors to come together around the communal bread oven, to share stories, forge new friendships, bake and break bread.

This garden was designed as place of retreat, reminiscence, and restoration.  It is an immersive space where horticultural therapy and group gathering will help heal and restore survivors of torture on their own challenging paths to recovery in its final home at Freedom From Torture’s head quarters in North London.

With thanks to Nafa, Tanya, Richard, Omar and all the survivors who have shared their bravery and passion for gardening. You are the ongoing inspiration for this garden.