Butterfly Garden Launch at Silverhand Estate

Designed by Kent-based garden designer Emma Atkinson and built by Sustainable Garden Solutions, the garden was created for the RHS Badminton Flower Show and sponsored by Silverhand Estate in support of Butterfly Conservation.

With butterfly populations declining across the UK, the garden highlights how small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference for wildlife. Every element has been carefully chosen to provide butterflies with what they need to thrive, including nectar-rich plants for adult butterflies, host plants for caterpillars and sheltered spaces for protection from predators and changing weather.

The planting includes valuable butterfly-friendly species such as Malus sylvestris (wild crab apple), Frangula alnus (alder buckthorn) and Buddleja varieties, alongside Salvia ‘Amistad’, Echinacea ‘Butterfly Kisses’, Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ and Verbena.

Visitors are invited to explore the garden, learn more about supporting local biodiversity and enjoy the space before it is relocated to its permanent home at Silverhand Estate, the UK’s largest single vineyard, spanning more than 600 acres of organically farmed vines.

There will also be two butterfly transect surveys taking place during the event, led by Cristina Alves. Visitors are welcome to join and learn more about butterfly monitoring, with sessions running at 10am and 10.30am. Places are limited to 15 people per session and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

The garden will be open to visitors from 9am to 11am and the event is free to attend.