Arit Anderson was moved to tears as she accepted the People’s Choice Award for Best Show Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 for Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey.
Created in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, the garden is deeply personal for Arit, whose sister lives with Parkinson’s. Designed as a joyful, sensory sanctuary, it supports people living with the neurological condition through accessible pathways, calming water features and restorative planting.
'That's so kind,' said a tearful Arit, as Mary Berry presented the award to her. 'I have to thank my sister and her bravery for letting us share her story, and being able to work with a fantastic charity. And we just want to help people that have got Parkinson's. My little motto has been, I know medals and stuff are important but, not everything that glitters is gold. But this is.'
The People’s Choice Award is the most coveted prize of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, voted for by the public. While Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey was awarded a Silver-gilt medal by the judges, it clearly captured visitors’ hearts throughout the week.
• Read more: Chelsea Flower Show 2026: all 36 gardens and award winners at this year's show
Inside Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey
Inspired by a workshop for gardeners living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, this joyful garden has been designed as a sanctuary of support, comfort and connection.
What to Read Next
This harmonious, pollinator-friendly space supports, uplifts and celebrates people navigating this complex neurological condition.
Key to the design is a wide, accessible path weaving through contrasting planting borders, brought together by a sculptural ‘hand-rill’ that works as both a flowing water feature and tactile handrail. The movement and sound of water provide sensory cues to help with ‘freezing’, a common Parkinson’s symptom.
The planting is just as beautiful. Bright, jewel-toned perennials and annuals create an energising sunny border, while woodland-inspired planting adds a sense of calm.
Beneath is a wooden, organically shaped arch where visitors can pause and rest. Once night falls, gentle lighting highlights night-time plants, extending time in the garden for those experiencing insomnia.
Following RHS Chelsea, the garden will be permanently relocated to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford — a UK Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence — where it will continue to benefit the Parkinson’s community for years to come.
Parkinson’s UK supports every Parkinson’s journey, from funding groundbreaking research and campaigning for better care to providing life-changing support services, all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.
• For more information visit parkinsons.org.uk
