Displaying hopes of a better future (From Gazette Series)

Displaying hopes of a better future

LEYHILL PRISON garden at Chelsea Flower Show in May will reflect the feelings of the average person - that in times of constant aggression and all have hope for a better future.

This has been shown in the most graphic way by nature itself, constantly healing the scars made by man. Whether in times of war or industrial action, in the end nature fights back and inevitably wins.

The Garden of Hope seeks reflect this. A war-torn cottage is the centrepiece, with the debris of destruction around it. But the wild flowers are fighting back. Vegetable and salads have gone to seed, providing the hope of a new crop the following year.

A feature has been created from a bomb crater, with water pouring from a fractured toilet cistern pipe. Part of the garden is unscathed, being away from the blast, but viewers are reminded of the destruction with the dead trees behind the cottage.

The natural beauty of the planting will be emphasised through the sparse reality of the hard landscaping.

The prison team and garden are being sponsored by Gem, which is donating compost and fertilisers to assist in construction of the garden.

Marketing manager Jane Molyneaux said: "Gem produces quality composts and fertilisers and with our comprehensive range we are able to offer Leyhill a cross-section of products that match their specific planting requirements. We are delighted to be associated with the team and wish them all the very best with their entry at Chelsea."

The team of staff and prisoners from Leyhill have designed a show garden that will illustrate nature's ability to survive against all odds. A war torn cottage will be the centrepiece of the garden, with a debris of destruction around it. For Leyhill Jeff Goundrill said: "We aim for perfection with our award-winning gardens and this can only be achieved by using the best resources from compost to plants."