SSAFA Controller digs in at RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden build

20 May 2022

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens to the public next Tuesday, 24 May, and Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, SSAFA's Controller, is not one to shy away from digging in to help create its sanctuary garden.

SSAFA’s garden, created by multi-award-winning garden designer Amanda Waring, has created a scene of peace and tranquillity. She shows sensitivity and compassion in her creation using an infinity water feature as well as layered planting. It induces a sense of calm while restoring and lifting the spirit. The garden, enclosed using timber walls and hedging, creates an area of security and quiet reflection, but also provided a place to sit.

After the show it will be transported to its final home at SSAFA’s Norton House, Stanford Hall, near Loughborough where it will offer a peaceful space for friends, families, patients, and staff to relax and enjoy.
The modular building of the show garden will enable an efficient transfer from the show into a pre-designed space at Norton House, Norton a home-from-home for families and friends of service personnel being treated for injury nearby at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.

Sir Andrew said of the garden: “For the first time in its 137-year history, I am delighted that SSAFA has been given the opportunity to create a sanctuary garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Getting stuck in and helping with the final part of the build today has brought to life the hard work that goes on in creating such a peaceful and impactful space.

“For this, thank you to our garden designer, Amanda Waring, for bringing the concept to life. After the show, the garden will be transported to Norton House, Stanford Hall, near Loughborough for residents and visitors to enjoy. We’re very much looking forward to meeting people over the course of the week and showing them around our space of tranquillity.”

SSAFA’s Norton House continues to need support from the public and every donation helps to maintain this wonderful sanctuary garden for those that need it.