By Geoff Fisher 
A new feature garden celebrating the power of outdoor learning for girls and young women will take centre stage at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show this July – and it has strong local roots.
The installation, created for Girlguiding North West Norfolk, is being designed by Brandiston-based garden designer Dominique Rudd (pictured) of Enchanting Gardens, a multiple Sandringham Flower Show gold medal winner. She is working alongside 3D landscape illustrator Becky Sheppard to bring the concept to life.
Called “The Girlguiding Journey”, the 80 m² garden will be on show from 22–26 July. It highlights how girls aged 4–18 grow in confidence, develop new skills and build a connection with the natural world through time spent outdoors.
Visitors will find a wildflower meadow, a “learning bench” inspired by the Grow Your Own badge, youth‑designed wildlife habitats and a small woodland area reflecting the traditions and friendships at the heart of guiding. Local girls and volunteers have played a key role in shaping both the design and the conservation features of the project.
A bespoke iron bench engraved with the Girlguiding promise will form the centrepiece of the garden. It is being handcrafted by the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co., the Royal Warrant‑holding Sandringham business.
The garden is being built by Farm & Garden, supported by volunteers, young members and suppliers from across the region. Many of the materials have been donated by Norfolk businesses, making the project a genuinely community‑led effort.
Research behind the installation underlines the value of outdoor experiences for young people: 80% of girls say being outside makes them feel happy, while 93% of children report that nature boosts their wellbeing.
“This garden is more than just a display,” said Ms Rudd. “It is a celebration of the confidence, heritage and community spirit that Girlguiding fosters across Norfolk and beyond.”
After the flower show, the garden will be relocated to the Hautbois Activity Centre in Coltishall, where it will become a permanent outdoor learning space for thousands of girls each year.
Further information on how to get involved with Girlguiding Anglia is available HERE.
Photo: supplied