Award: Silver Gilt Medal

About the garden

This tiered tropical-style garden, infused with cottage garden charm and lush foliage, was inspired by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—a concept that explores the journey toward self-actualisation and personal fulfilment. The design reflected both the emotional and horticultural journey of growth, from foundational care to full plant geekery.

Set in the West Midlands, the garden was created for plant collectors and enthusiasts, blending education, inspiration, and sustainability. It offered practical insights into over-wintering tender and tropical plants, with a clear layout:

• Ground-level plantings could survive UK winters outdoors.
• Raised beds featured plants requiring frost-free overwintering.

Design Highlights & Educational Features

The garden featured:

• Upcycled sculptures symbolising family bonds.
• A water feature and seating area, perfect for enjoying a tropical cocktail.
• A treasure hunt with ten tiny watering cans to engage children.
• An ultrasonic atomiser creating mist and humidity, enhancing the jungle-like atmosphere.
• A fern and moss display, co-created by the designer and her son, celebrating quality time and shared creativity.

The hard landscaping was simple and replicable, encouraging visitors to recreate elements in their own gardens.

Mental Health & Mindfulness

This garden served as a testament to how gardening supports mental health recovery. The inclusion of eco-friendly, upcycled elements and the creative process itself promoted mindfulness and emotional wellbeing. It encouraged visitors to find joy and healing through nature and hands-on engagement.

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability was woven throughout the garden:

• Upcycled materials included horse jumping poles and a cattle trough for rainwater collection.
• Sustainably grown timber and pollinator-friendly plants supported biodiversity.
• The garden promoted propagation from houseplant collections, reducing reliance on mass-produced bedding plants.
• Rainwater harvesting was encouraged, especially for houseplants, which benefit from natural water sources.

Post-Show Life

Elements of the garden were relocated to a private sponsor’s home in the West Midlands, ensuring its legacy continued beyond the festival.

Plant Selection & Statement Species

The garden featured a variety of rare and unusual plants, with a colour palette of lush greens, purples, and whites. Many were sourced from the designer’s personal collection, with additional plants from suppliers including Wacks Wicked Plants.

Five Key Plants

• Trachycarpus fortuneii (Chusan Palm) – for height, structure, and ease of care.
• Sphaeropteris cooperi (Lacy Tree Fern) – for its elegant canopy and fronds.
• Tetrapanax papyrifer (Chinese Rice Paper Plant) – for dramatic leaf form.
• Colocasia esculenta (Elephant’s Ears) – for bold, heart-shaped foliage.
• Begonia luxurians (Palm Leaf Begonia) – for unique leaf structure and ease of propagation.

Unsung Heroes

Ferns of all shapes and sizes – celebrated for their versatility and impact in shady corners.

About the designer

Kate Mason found solace and hope in gardening, having experienced significant post-natal depression. Her first garden design project was a surprise garden makeover for her disabled mum, but today she lives her passion full-time and runs her own business, Kate Mason Garden Designs.

What are the advantages of designing a garden at the show?

Kate says, “Ever since I started studying horticulture, I have been obsessed with show gardens. I love the fully finished product, because as a designer, I tend to design and install the garden but I don’t often get to see the result. I have been visiting and finding inspiration at RHS Malvern Spring Festival for a long time, and the friendly staff who welcome me every year make me feel like this is the perfect place for my first show garden.”