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Demonstrating the progress of our work

The theme

Our garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2008 will demonstrate the progress that we are making in beating cancer.

Our work has contributed to the improvement of survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

• Deaths from cancer have fallen by  12 per cent over the last decade.
• Two out of three women with breast  cancer now survive beyond 20 years.
• Around 95 per cent of men with testicular cancer now survive beyond ten years.

We have also gained a better understanding of the disease. Around half of all cancers can be prevented by changes to lifestyle.

Find out more about Cancer Research UK and the latest news in cancer research.

The design

A key feature of the contemporary woodland garden are four rectangular pools increasing in size towards the front of the garden.

Computer generated raindrop-like ripples will dance through the pools and symbolise progress.

A "thought wall" made from aluminium rings will provide a dramatic backdrop to the garden.

Behind the thought wall will be a second revolutionary wall made entirely from natural materials.

The garden features elements sourced from different eras, from prehistoric planting to modern day building materials. The journey from the old to the new reflects the progressive research carried out by Cancer Research UK.

The plants

The main plants used will be 30 large tree ferns and nine Nothofagus antarctica, the unusual Southern Beech. These will create an exotic woodland atmosphere and a series of glades.

A variety of green plants create the main colour scheme with orange, purples and blues adding colour. See the full plant list for this year's garden.