The garden has been designed to open up conversations about grief, ensuring that no one has to face bereavement alone. It has been shaped by the perspectives of Child Bereavement UK’s Youth Ambassadors, as well as Andy’s own experience of bereavement following the death of his partner in 2009 and helping his three children navigate their grief.  

Unashamedly low-tech in its nature, the garden is dominated by three towering, hand-made mud walls. These are balanced by an 18-metre pool framed by rammed concrete walls. Steps, paths and different levels create a series of spaces to sit together or spend time alone, while gentle cascades of water bring movement and sound to the garden. 

Planting combines a rich mix of textures and forms in shades of green, grey and blue, punctuated with bursts of flowers, while spiky yucca bring an air of the exotic. The resilient planting scheme draws inspiration from Mexico, Australia and South America, while the mud walls are a nod to time Andy spent in West Africa, reflecting the cob walls of the mud cities of Mali.