RHS Show Garden Dedicated to Mental Health Seeks Construction Sponsors

LEEDS, U.K. - May 19, 2023 - PRLog -- Garden designer Carolyn Hardern and landscaper Jon Jarvis are working with Leeds College of Building to raise awareness of mental health within the construction industry through a unique show garden. The design has been accepted for the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park from 19-23 July 2023 but requires additional sponsors to finalise the project.

Titled 'Constructing Minds', the 20m x 14m garden integrates trees, ferns, and wildflower areas to create a sense of enclosure and refuge. Materials found on construction sites, such as concrete and scaffold boards, are included in the build.

The wall to the left of the entrance into The Inner Sanctuary incorporates a metal panel perforated with 507 number holes representing the number of suicides in the UK construction industry in 2021; an average of two people die by suicide in construction each working day.

Jon said:
"An estimated 700 workers in construction sadly took their own lives during 2022. This is well above the average of any other sector in the UK and up significantly from the previous year. Carolyn and I have therefore devoted our own time to raising awareness about this devastating topic."

Motivated by the shocking statistics, the pair approached Leeds College of Building (https://www.lcb.ac.uk/) to support the project. Students from Leeds College of Building have agreed to bring hundreds of wooden hearts of assorted sizes (up to 10cm) which will be displayed on press day and represent each life taken. The hearts will be painted the colours of hard hats by the College's Painting & Decorating students, and some will display poignant messages from bereaved families.

Carolyn added:
"We have already benefitted from lots of generous industry partners that have given in-kind support such as machine hire, materials, and labour - like landscaping companies Ashlea Ltd and The Landscape Academy at Great Barrow. However, we are also dependent on monetary donations to help finish the garden and cover the costs to build and then relocate the project."

In total, the garden will cost around £40,000 to produce. Carolyn and Jon are now asking companies to donate the last remaining £5,000 via a new GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/constructing-minds-garden-tatt...) or make contact to sponsor individual garden elements. The project is also welcoming donated goods. Any monies left over from the build will be given to Band of Builders and Mates in Mind, charities dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing in construction across the UK.