A sustainable and serene garden debuted at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show is setting down roots in Plymouth
The Blue Mind Garden, a gold medal winner at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will be relocated to the National Marine Aquarium’s Garden this summer. Designed by garden designer Ashleigh Aylett and sponsored by Navium Marine, the garden will offer a lasting sanctuary for the community, inspired by the calming power of the ocean.
The garden will be installed on Monday 26th May, and in honour of it, the National Marine Aquarium’s Sea-cret Garden is being renamed to the Blue Mind Garden!
Developed in collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), the garden draws on the principles of Blue Mind Theory, the idea that proximity to water can have a deeply restorative effect on our mental wellbeing. The concept, pioneered by marine biologist Dr Wallace J. Nichols is brought to life through tranquil water features, soft coastal planting and innovative sustainable materials.
Freyja Thomson-Alberts, Ocean Engagement Manager, at Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “Welcoming the Blue Mind Garden to the National Marine Aquarium is a meaningful moment for us. It captures the essence of what our Blue Mind Hub, our community initiative, is all about – creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet. We hope it will offer a lasting sense of calm and connection for everyone who visits.”
Ashleigh Aylett, designer of Blue Mind Garden, said: “This garden is more than just a beautiful space – it’s a sensory experience designed to calm the mind and connect us with the sea. Bringing it to Plymouth, where the idea first took root, feels like the perfect full circle.”
The Blue Mind Garden will be installed in the National Marine Aquarium’s outdoor Garden as a permanent, public wellbeing space. The project is part of the OCT’s wider Blue Mind Hub, a community initiative which supports mental health through connecting people with the ocean. Visitors will be able to enjoy the garden as part of their visit to the NMA, and local volunteers will help maintain it as a living, breathing part of the community.
Designed with sustainability at its heart, the garden uses reclaimed and recycled materials, from seashell tiles and clay plasters to 95% recycled steel. Even its irrigation system cuts water waste by half – proving that beauty and impact can go hand in hand. To support or join the Blue Mind Hub, email community@oceanconservationtrust.org or head to the website to find out more on how to get involved: oceanconservationtrust.org
