Showcase of three innovative parking space-sized parklets
We are proud to have won a silver medal at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival for showing how parking spaces can be converted into vibrant green spaces.
We presented a transformative garden, named ‘reclaiming spaces, creating healthy streets’. This saw ordinary car parking spaces converted into vibrant, functional green spaces. The aim was to show how small spaces can transform from vehicle-dominated areas to places for people and nature.
The garden
The garden was made up of three parking space sized parklets.
The Walton parklet
- Focuses on air quality
- Features plants and trees that filter pollutants while providing shade and shelter
The Cranleigh rain garden
- Demonstrates sustainable drainage
- Uses climate-resilient plants to manage stormwater and how to reduce flooding risks
The Guildford parklet
- Celebrates biodiversity
- Crafted from reclaimed materials
- Features pollinator-friendly plants, bird baths and play elements to bring people and wildlife together
The garden designs follow the principles of the ‘Healthy Streets for ßÙßÇÂþ»’ code. This initiative aimed at creating healthier, more people-friendly streets through thoughtful, inclusive design.
In a comparison to the three parklets, a fourth zone had an electric car parked in it for comparison.
The parklets are now being relocated to ßÙßÇÂþ» streets for residents to enjoy.
Judges feedback
Judges at the garden festival said it was ‘astonishingly clever’ to create a garden in such small public spaces. They said when you sit in the garden you feel cocooned in the street, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The garden was also highly commended with an RHS Environmental Innovation award.
Sponsors and volunteers
This garden was designed and built by working with local residents, suppliers, and organisations. Many different people and groups helped make the garden a reality. Title: ßÙßÇÂþ» garden wins silver medal at RHS Garden festival
Funding
The parklets and rain garden were funded through existing placemaking schemes in three communities. The gardens will be relocated in these communities after the festival. Additional support to create the garden came from:
- volunteers, including local young people and community groups
- private sponsorship.
More information available via the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival webpage.