Turkish award-winning garden designer Nilufer Danis has brought the spirit of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the home of one of England’s most notorious anti-Catholic monarchs, King Henry VIII. Danis’ garden, titled ‘The Way of St James,’ is a star attraction at the annual Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, known for its experimental and cutting-edge designs. The garden celebrates the culture and nature of the Gallica region of Spain and its most famous event, the centuries-old pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Danis’ design draws inspiration from the life of St James and the pilgrims’ journey, referencing the mythical forests, cascading waterfalls, and calming rivers encountered along the way. The garden features a statue of a smiling woman at its heart, symbolizing the spiritual rapture felt by pilgrims as they complete the arduous 35-day walk across Galicia. Surrounding the statue are verdant woodland plants designed to calm visitors and evoke a sense of peace.
Metal arches with scented jasmine climbers and gravel paths celebrate the romantic nature of traditional Galician gardens. Granite paving stones, a deliberate nod to the flagstones pilgrims have walked across for centuries, are incorporated into the 10-metre square space. A traditional Galician bagpiper from the region’s Royal Band of Pipers welcomed visitors with music from the region, further immersing them in the experience.
In keeping with the RHS’ environmental commitment, the trees and plants used in the garden will be recycled after the show concludes. They will be installed at a local care home, providing a touch of nature and tranquility for residents. The Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival runs from the 2nd to the 7th of July, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty and spirit of the Camino de Santiago in the heart of England.
