Silver Medal winner at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 for the Naturally Resilient: Inspired by the Norfolk Coast garden
Inspired by the rugged beauty of the Norfolk Coast
The east Norfolk coastline is a striking environment where plants thrive despite harsh winds, sand, and salty air. ‘Naturally Resilient’ showcases how nature-based solutions can create sustainable, climate-friendly gardens, while helping with mitigating the effects of coastal erosion.
Working With Nature
Rather than fighting the elements or artificially altering the soil, this design embraces the local environment. Inspired by the natural defences of dune ecosystems against coastal erosion, the planting is entirely suited to free-draining sandy soils and full sun. It demonstrates that beautiful, thriving landscapes can flourish without demanding excessive watering or heavy resources.
The Planting Design:
The border is naturalistic, airy, and subtly dynamic—designed to catch the light and respond gracefully to the wind.
Structural Grasses
Deep-rooting species like Ammophila, Deschampsia, and Festuca form the backbone of the garden, their root systems act as natural soil stabilisers.
Colour & Texture
Splashes of blue, purple, pink, and white emerge through a playful mix of varied flower forms, from tall spires and globes to delicate pin-cushion blooms.
Supporting Wildlife
Coastal perennials like Sea Holly (Eryngium), Sea Lavender (Limonium), and Field Scabious (Knautia) offer striking textural contrasts, from rough to delicate, while providing a vital food source for pollinators.
A Garden for the Future
Following the RHS Sandringham Flower Show, ‘Naturally Resilient’ has been relocated to Terrington St Clement Community School.
There, it will serve as a hands-on outdoor classroom, offering an engaging learning environment away from screens. By teaching children about ecosystems, conservation, and biodiversity, the garden aims to support student well-being and inspire the next generation of environmentalists.
Bringing the Coast Home
Resilient, native flora is often overlooked in our own gardens. This border highlights the beauty and practicality of drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly plants, illustrating how easily they can be introduced into everyday spaces. (With the exception of the ammophila arenaria)
Whether situated on the coast or further inland, these hardy species offer a sustainable, low-maintenance way to support local biodiversity and adapt to a changing climate.
Plant List
Ammophila arenaria
(marram grass)
Armeria maritima
(thrift)
Deschampsia flexuosa
(wavy hair grass)
Echium vulgare
(viper’s bugloss)
Eryngium variifolium
(variable-leaved sea holly)
Festuca rubra subsp. juncea
(coastal glaucous red fescue)
Knautia arvensis
(field scabious)
Limonium coriarium
(broad-leaved statice)
Muhlenbergia capillaris
(pink muhly grass)
Pennisetum macrourum
(African feather grass)
Silene uniflora
(sea campion)
Verbena rigida
(slender vervain)
We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, nurseries, friends, family, and all the wonderful volunteers who helped bring this border to life.
Nurseries
Driftwood
@craftycoastalgifts
Landscaping materials
Sponsors
Knightwood Trust funds ltd
Thanks to
Anna, Anne (Knightwood Trust), Arthur, Barry, Cecilia, Chris (Urban Jungle), Connor, Danielle, Dawn, Elizabeth, Emma, Jennifer, Jess, Julian, Juliet, Kat (Terrington St Clement Community School), Kirsty, Lucy (Naturescape), Lynn, Neil (Knolls), Ros, Sandra & Meg (Celtic Wildflowers), Sarah, Sarah (D.G Scales), Steve D, Steve H, Yujia
