Designed by Jo Thompson

he Glasshouse Garden celebrates the transformative effect of second chances through horticulture. It embodies the sense of purpose, self-belief and hope that The Glasshouse programme offers to women as they approach the end of their prison sentences.

The garden is an immersive space centred around a translucent elliptical pavilion emerging from the foliage. Informed by conversations with women who have been through the programme, the garden is full of sensory delights including jewel-like colours, fragrant plants and the sound of water. A narrow rill winds its way through the space connecting different areas and ending in a tranquil pool. The planting is rich and full of texture and includes beautiful river birch trees, ferns, grasses and roses.

Visitors are drawn to the elliptical pavilion at the centre of the garden, designed in collaboration with award-winning architects Hollaway Studio. The uplifting structure is a space for the women to gather - for meetings, training and planning for the future. The pavilion has a series of pivoting screens made from recycled acrylic which open like petals and are given a touch of jewel-like enhancement to compliment the colour palette of the planting in the garden.