Harry’s Garden is located at the centre of Jersey College for Girls. The site was originally found little-used by students or staff and noted to be inaccessible for wheelchairs due to its mounded topography. With limited access to quiet, green space across the school grounds the garden has become a haven for quiet reflection and a distance from the pressures of school work.

It’s design and construction was led by Sharon Shepherd, mother to Harry Zambon who provided inspiration for this project. Harry tragically died in 2019 aged just 25 from an aggressive form of brain cancer. During an incredible battle and despite grueling treatment, Harry managed to campaign tirelessly to raise money and awareness for the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity whilst maintaining his successful fitness training business. He professed the importance and support of friendship and the power that safe spaces give us to take pause. This coupled with his love of being in the outdoors inspired the design of a new garden.

The challenging topography was remedied by the introduction of a curving retaining wall. Painted purple it provides an eye-catching pop of colour, possesses a sculptural quality and adds shelter and enclosure to a rounded seating area. A curving path further snakes down the hill to make the space fully accessible. Timber composite benches were commissioned, each made with recycled fibres and each with a radial form. Permeable resinbound aggregate is used across the pathways to provide sustainable urban drainage and an aesthetic warmth through use of golden stone aggregate.

The planting has been designed with a prominent floral palette of white, silver and purple. Evergreen foliage and the use of specimen silver birch trees ensure seasonal interest, even in the depth of winter.

The garden was made possible by the incredible fund-raising efforts of Sharon Shepherd and JCG. Further thanks to the wider design team for their donated skills and time.