Life may not be a bed of roses for magistrates just now, as the government’s programme of court closures gets under way, but the Magistrates’ Association demonstrated its appetite for growth with the Magistrates’ Garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The bloomin’ good garden, designed by Kate Gould to celebrate 650 years of the magistracy, was awarded a Silver Gilt Medal.

It was designed as a place for weary magistrates to seek solace, with a bench on which to relax.

Traditional elements, reflecting the history of justices of the peace, combine with modern ones, such as a water feature, to show that the law moves forward.

Glass panels in the centre are etched with key dates in the history of the magistracy, while the recurring theme of ‘three’ in the garden’s planning reflects the fact that magistrates sit in threes.

The garden has other pleasing touches, with the bench cushions made by prisoners working with the Fine Cell Work charity and a new rose by specialist nursery Fryers.

The rose’s name? Justice of the Peace.