Holding the Line - GardensDB                                Browse  [ ![](/images/leaf_icon.svg)  Gardens**DB**

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  ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/a6cdb19f-dbc1-497e-b82f-fabb68491647/conversions/holding-the-line-render-gallery.webp)

  [Gardens](https://gardensdb.com/gardens) / [ RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 ](https://gardensdb.com/shows/rhs-sandringham-flower-show-2026)

  Long Borders

 Holding the Line
==================

 Designed by Emily Joy

 At a glance

  Show RHS Sandringham Flower Show

 Year 2026

 Category Long Borders

   Border

  About this garden

 The story
-----------

Capturing the fragile threshold between resilience and erosion, Holding the Line explores planting as living coastal infrastructure. Visitors move from a lush contemporary garden into wind-swept dune grasses and finally encounter a sparse, climate-resilient landscape shaped by salt and drought. Sculpted landforms, exposed substrate and weathered structural elements reveal the tension between stability and loss.

As abundance gradually transitions into exposure, the vegetation becomes more than just decoration. Species such as *Ammophila arenaria*, *Leymus arenarius* and *Calamagrostis* x *acutiflora* 'Karl Foerster' - all essential in creating continuity within the border - provide framework, filtrate the wind and stabilise sandy soils.

Inspired by the changing British coastline and ecological adaptation, the garden reflects a personal interest in how planting can both protect and respond to environmental pressure.

  The people behind it

 Designer
----------

- [ ![Emily Joy](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/people/emily-joy/profile_photo.webp?v=4995c932-5b54-4997-9c12-32d9b1fef33b)

    Emily Joy

    Designer

     ](https://gardensdb.com/people/emily-joy)

  Photography

 Gallery
---------

  ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/a6cdb19f-dbc1-497e-b82f-fabb68491647/conversions/holding-the-line-render-gallery.webp)

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 Photo:

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