Hazel’s blog: behind the scenes at the build

All around lorries are reversing, beeping. Rocks, trees and vast wooden structures are being craned into place. People are holding their breath. Behind is the dramatic, beautiful Royal Hospital building. Welcome to behind-the-scenes at the build of the Psalm 23 Garden. 

Designer Sarah Eberle always said that the garden would be an auspicious place, a place of tranquillity, where you could feel the restoration that the psalm speaks about. Even amid all this noise, it is. 

I’m standing on a mound behind what will be the still waters, teasing yellow needles from the Scots pine tree. Sam and Steve, stone wallers from Yorkshire, are making this look like a place that has been here for ever. Harry is hosing off the pool, ready for its first fill tomorrow. ‘It will be gin clear for the show,’ Mark Gregory says. And you just know it will be. 

So much has happened in a week. Already, all you can really do is stand and look at this garden and think, ‘wow’. How much more will that be the case when the Show opens in 10 days’ time?