Saxon Shore
A garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show
As a protest against the ongoing pollution of coastal waters along the East Kent coast, this conceptual garden presents a vision of hope for the future. Set within the sprawling infrastructure of a redundant sewage works, an array of diverse and thriving coastal landscapes tell the story of Saxon Shore. From its pebble beaches to shady woodlands, craggy cliff tops to abundant salt marshes – discreet areas of native coastal planting soften this once industrial and brutalist site.
The mid-century geometry of the sewage works is a reminder of another time. They now stand unapologetically on the foreshore, silent, rusting and decayed. Where huge pipes once spewed waste and excuses into the sea, nature now masks their murky past.
A gentle cycle of natural regeneration is slowly reclaiming this once scarred landscape.
There is a tussle between optimism and despair as the garden presents a view of what could be. We know full well there is a huge problem with pollution in our seas & waterways and are frustrated by the apathy and lack of progress in rectifying it. Saxon Shore provides a glimmer of hope and relief that nature can heal if only we change our ways. Exploring the abandoned waterworks feels hollow and like one shouldn’t be there but discovering nature thriving in and around the site is encouraging and restorative.
A determined Pinus sylvestris grows tall through the old works, twisting and searching for the sunlight above. As the tide rolls out, marine plants and sea life flourish once again. Shingle beaches are abundant with wildflowers and coastal natives. Crambe maritima, Sea thrift and Hottentot fig attach to the hard rocks lining the shore. Between the weathered remains of ancient groynes and mystical rocks, Sandhill Screw-moss and Sea Bryum create a blanket of soft green. Beyond the shoreline, the woodlands are rich and fertile. Swathes of Bracken, Solomon’s seal and Yarrow nestle happily amongst industrial detritus. The giant leaves of Butterbar stand tall alongside the clean running stream, providing shade for busy wildlife. Aged Pines have proudly stood the test of time on craggy rocks beyond.
With Seabirds nesting safely in the tower, the sun sets on another day along Saxon Shore. There is harmony once again in the water and on the beaches.
