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.
Girlguiding North West Norfolk is set to debut a new feature garden at the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show this summer, celebrating the positive impact of outdoor learning on girls and young women.
The garden is being designed by Dominique Rudd of Enchanting Gardens, Brandiston, a multiple Sandringham Flower Show medal winner, alongside 3D illustrator Becky Sheppard.
Titled “The Girlguiding Journey”, the 80 m² installation will be on display from 22–26 July and highlights how girls aged 4–18 build confidence, skills and environmental awareness through time spent in nature.
The garden features a wildflower meadow, a learning bench inspired by the organisation’s Grow Your Own badge, youth-created wildlife habitats and a woodland space reflecting the traditions and camaraderie of guiding.
Set within the Sandringham Estate, the project showcases the creativity and input of local girls and volunteers who have helped shape both the design and the conservation elements.
At the heart of the garden will be a bespoke iron bench engraved with the Girlguiding promise, handcrafted by The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co., a Royal Warrant-holding business based in Sandringham.
The build will be delivered by Farm & Garden, with support from local volunteers, young members and regional suppliers. Materials for the garden have been donated by businesses across Norfolk, creating a fully community-led project.
Research underpinning the installation highlights the importance of outdoor experiences for young people, with 80% of girls saying being outdoors makes them feel happy and 93% of children reporting that nature boosts their wellbeing.
Ms Rudd said: “This garden is more than just a display; it is a celebration of the confidence, heritage and community spirit that Girlguiding fosters across Norfolk and beyond.”
Following the show the garden will be relocated to the Hautbois Activity Centre in Coltishall, where it will serve as 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