Darren Hawkes wins Chelsea Gold Medal
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Darren Hawkes with Lady Garden Foundation Project Director, Natasha Douglas celebrate the Gold medal
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One of the sculptures in the garden designed by Hannah Hartwell.
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The Gold-medal winning Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden designed by Darren Hawkes
Darren Hawkes has been awarded a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 for designing the Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden.
Located on Main Avenue, the show garden has been created to raise awareness of the five gynaecological cancers and encourage more open public conversations around symptoms, diagnosis and prevention.
Believed to be the first RHS Chelsea show garden dedicated to a gynaecological cancer charity, the design combines sculptural architecture with immersive planting to create a calm, reflective environment intended to break down stigma and silence surrounding women’s health.
Inspired by Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida’s sculpture La Casa del Poeta III, the garden centres around four interconnected architectural structures that form a cocoon-like, womb-inspired sanctuary space. Built by Ruddy Joinery, the forms create privacy and shelter while encouraging visitors to pause and engage in meaningful conversations.
Mediterranean-inspired planting in soft pinks, silver greys and glaucous foliage reinforces the tranquil atmosphere, while five sculptures by artists Hannah Hartwell and Antony Bryant act as “conversation starters” positioned throughout the garden.
A sunken central area featuring flowing water and stone-lined rills creates an additional sense of calm and reflection within the space.
Darren Hawkes said the project had been a two-year journey shaped by conversations with patients, families and campaigners connected to the charity, with the aim of creating a powerful and thought-provoking public space.
Jenny Halpern Prince MBE, co-founder and chief executive of the Lady Garden Foundation, described the garden as a “public health intervention” designed to improve awareness and ultimately help improve survival rates across the UK.
The ‘Silent No More’ Garden will remain on display throughout the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 until Saturday 23 May.