The English Garden - q&a
Photo credit: Darren Hawkes
Last month, our garden designer Darren spoke to The English Garden about ‘courage, responsibility, and why beauty can be a catalyst for life-saving conversations.’ The article, written by Niamh Collins, follows a Q&A style format that explores the thinking behind our ‘Silent No More’ garden and the practical decisions involved in bringing it to RHS Chelsea Flower Show. While the interview focuses on design and process, it also touches on the wider context in which the garden sits and why that context matters.
In the interview, Darren reflects on the responsibility that comes with designing a garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He must not only create something visually compelling, but to be thoughtful about the message it carries and how it will be received.
He discusses how the specific planting choices help communicate our garden’s message. He states that ‘the planting scheme I have designed will be used in the garden as both an emotional and narrative tool’. He goes on to explain that ‘softer hues create calm and reassurance, while the bolder colours introduce confidence, visibility and presence’.
When asked about the inspiration he drew from Eduardo Chillida’s work, Darren said ‘as visitors stand at the edge of the garden, they will be visually struck by four sculptural clay forms, each measuring 2.5 metres high. Inspired by La Casa del Poeta III, their overhanging tops create a cocoon-like space that evokes protection, containment and the nurturing nature of the womb - inviting visitors to begin their own interpretations and conversations.’
Gynaecological cancers are often diagnosed late, and delayed diagnosis is linked to poorer outcomes. Increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms and encouraging earlier conversations, with partners, family members and healthcare professionals, plays an important role in improving survival rates. Creating environments where these topics feel easier to raise is one way of supporting that process.
The article also covers the importance of men in the conversation surrounding gynaecological health. Darren reflects on the long thought process he undertook before accepting the challenge. He comments ‘unfortunately we live in a world where the male voice dominates. In order to promote change it’s not enough to just raise the platform for women, men have to be a part of the equation through support or just learning when to be silent and allowing space for the female voice to come through. I want to support that change.’
He adds ‘the Foundation’s mission also deeply resonated with me, not only professionally, but personally. As a husband, a father to two girls and a son, and a friend to many wonderful women, I felt compelled to help the charity raise awareness among both men and women, break taboos and shatter the silence about the five gynaecological cancers’.
Our ‘Silent No More’ garden shows how visibility can play such a vital and practical role in awareness. By combining sculptural elements, considered planting, and narrative intention, the garden creates conversation, increases awareness of the five gynaecological cancers, and highlights the importance of shared responsibility in health advocacy.
Darren Hawkes