Submitted by: Liz and Florence Jesse

Category: Children’s garden

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this patch is overgrown and neglected. And why have I entered it at all? Well, the answer is, this is the look I was going for. It is unashamedly inspired by the MND Association garden at Chelsea last year, the meaning of which really resonated with me and I wanted this to be a fitting memorial to Derek. Set outside his workshop, his once pristine part of the garden is slowly being reclaimed by nature, while scattered throughout are engine parts awaiting for their owner to return and finish them.

Our 10 year old daughter Florence made the fireplace and tripod after learning how to do this at cubs. She also grew the marigolds within it from seeds. She and her dad loved having a campfire and sitting by it watching the stars appear. There is a photo of them doing this included – really happy memories for her. Florence and I also upcycled an old bed and some Triumph Herald seats into a bench, and made a small table from engine blocks.

The planting is veg beds, (he always grew veg), and wildflowers. I wanted to encourage nature back into the garden and there is nothing as cheerful as a bright red poppy! It’s now a place of tranquility, where you can watch the sunset, listen to the birds in the oak tree overhead and watch the bees and butterflies.