Commissioned by the tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, the garden drew inspiration from York Minster’s Great East Window, Britain’s largest single expanse of medieval stained glass, originally designed by John Thornton between 1405 and 1408. At the time, the East Window was undergoing a twelve-year restoration, completed in 2018. The Chelsea garden featured a 5 × 3 metre stained-glass replica, created using traditional methods that mirrored Thornton’s craftsmanship, bringing a piece of history vividly to life.

While rooted in ancient inspiration, the garden combined historic and contemporary elements. Materials were carefully chosen to evoke the Yorkshire landscape and Minster, including traditional stone and timber, alongside gargoyles and monoliths loaned from historic sites across the county. Expertise from the York Glaziers Trust and York Minster stonemasons added more than six centuries of living craft to the design.

Designed by Matthew Wilson as a contemplative and restful space, the garden’s structure drew on cathedral references: benches, aisles, and blocks of yew and Buxus evoked tombs and seating, while wooden and stone elements offered tactile, sculptural detail.

The planting celebrated Yorkshire’s rich woodland heritage and plant introductions by historic plant hunters. Central perennial beds echoed the shape and colour palette of the East Window, translating stained-glass patterns into living tapestry. The result was a layered, immersive garden that balanced artistry, history, and horticultural narrative.

The garden was awarded the BBC People’s Choice Award, recognising its craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotional resonance.