About the garden

The Rain Garden is inspired by the changing climate and the flood risks faced by urban environments. This garden offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, drawing inspiration from the tranquillity and beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. It demonstrates that, with thoughtful design and planting, it is possible to create a space that not only inspires but also addresses practical concerns, such as mitigating the impact of flooding caused by climate change.

The garden’s design features a monochromatic colour palette of whites, greens, and subtle bronze accents, guiding visitors through a sensory experience. The calming sounds of water, rustling grasses, and birch trees create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

At the heart of the garden is a large central swale—a depression in the ground designed to manage water flow by collecting rainwater and slowly dispersing it back into the ground. Rain chains and troughs collect and harvest rainwater into large Corten steel containers.

Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?

The designer drew inspiration from the calmness of traditional Japanese tea houses, creating a space for reflection where water becomes a sensory experience. He wanted to introduce an urban, industrial touch that connects with the wider London landscape.

The Farum Midtpunkt Activity Park in Denmark also influenced this garden, particularly with its use of Corten steel and lush, enclosing plants that feel as though they are reclaiming the space. The monochromatic greenery adds to the simple and calming atmosphere.

Who is this garden for?

The Rain Garden is ideal for anyone living in a small urban space who wishes to incorporate water management solutions without compromising the beauty or functionality of their garden. It offers a peaceful sensory retreat—a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place to sit back and relax, all while knowing you’re contributing to flood risk management around your home.

Where is the garden set?

The garden is set in a 7 x 7 metre yard – typical of a Victorian terrace.

Key take aways from the garden

The designer wants visitors to gain a deeper understanding of water management and how it is possible to create a beautifully designed garden while addressing water concerns.

The garden aims to inspire conversation – the tea house is designed for two people to sit and talk, demonstrating the mental health benefits of nature and gardens without the need for technology.

Highlights or themes to notice/know

The garden features a large central Swale (a depression in the ground) designed to manage water flow by collecting rainwater and dispersing it back into the ground slowly.

Rain chains and troughs collect and harvest rainwater into large Corten Steel troughs.

Wherever possible, the designer has opted for ground screws instead of cement, and permeable surfaces have been used for the hard landscaping.

Topical or newsworthy elements within the garden

• Flooding events are on the rise, but gardens can play a crucial role in preventing disaster. Properly managed domestic gardens can channel, absorb, and store large quantities of water, helping to protect homes. This not only mitigates the risk to buildings and property but also reduces the likelihood of localised and downstream flooding. If flood-resilient features and water storage capacities became standard in most gardens within a neighbourhood, the cumulative positive effect would be enormous.
• A flood-resilient garden can save both money and carbon emissions. Recent statistics show that homes are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, with 1 in 4 homes now at risk. Gardens are more than just cherished personal spaces; they represent a significant investment, with British people spending an estimated £18.6 billion on gardens in 2021 (Statista), of which £1.4 billion went toward plants (Garden Retail Market Analysis Report). Designing gardens to be less vulnerable to flooding reduces the need to replace expensive plants and features, which also helps avoid unnecessary expenses and embodied carbon
• Carry on gardening, no matter the weather: a garden that “makes space for water” and “slows the flow” is less likely to become inundated during heavy rain or surface water flooding. Capturing water locally and creating raised refuges ensures that the garden remains both beautiful and usable, even during and after flood events. Such gardens provide a vital haven during these stressful circumstances.
• Flood-resilient thinking benefits gardeners. Flood-resilient gardening encourages water to penetrate the soil while creating reservoirs for future use. Good soil management, with the addition of organic matter, not only captures carbon but also promotes deep water penetration into the ground, where plant roots can access it. Moist soil is easier to re-wet and serves as a more effective water sink compared to dry ground, where water simply runs off. Additionally, this approach enhances drought resilience, as water is stored in the ground and supplemented by reserves in tanks, which can also serve as water features.
• Stand up to flood risk with the right plants, planted well. Good horticulture lies at the core of the Flood Re: The Rain Garden. Effective soil management, the creation of slopes and mounds for drainage, and selecting the right plants for the right locations are key to helping gardens recover after flooding. Attention to cultivars and rootstocks is equally important—good gardening truly makes the difference.
• Wildlife: The forgotten victims of flooding. Gardens in the UK collectively cover an area almost five times larger than nature reserves, making them invaluable for wildlife. Recognising that gardens are an integral part of a larger ecosystem, the Flood Re: The Rain Garden incorporates a mosaic of habitats designed to encourage diverse wildlife. Features such as a large sculpture bug hotel, log piles, and bird boxes provide shelter and sustenance, supporting biodiversity even in urban environments.

Where will the garden be relocated?

After the festival, the garden will be relocated to Coppermill School in Walthamstow, a site already recognized for its strong eco-credentials. The garden will address the school’s flooding issues while providing vital shade for the children. Additionally, the trees and plants will enhance local biodiversity, creating a connection between the surrounding landscape and the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands. It is hoped that the garden will inspire reflection and offer a safe, shaded space for the children to enjoy.

Sustainability

Sustainable building methods, materials or technologies used to help minimise the garden’s environmental impact

Ground screws are used instead of concrete and cement wherever possible. Permeable paths and surfaces are incorporated to allow water to filter through naturally. A central swale is included to manage water overflow effectively, while also creating diverse environments that support both wildlife and plants.

Ways the garden promotes environmental responsibility /sustainability

Environmentally sensitive use of hard landscaping (to cope with increased climatic
extremes): Hard landscaping is minimised to maximise the available soil area for natural water absorption. Gravel paving is laid on a permeable base, allowing water to flow through easily. Corten tanks serve a dual purpose, functioning as both water features and storage units, while also encouraging wildlife and habitats.

Resilient planting design: The garden features various planting zones, with some areas being well-drained and others intentionally boggy or wet. Plants are carefully selected to suit each environment, fostering biodiversity and supporting a wide range of wildlife and habitats.

Waterlogged/bog-tolerant planting with soil amendment: A designated bog area is designed to hold varying amounts of water depending on rainfall. Plants in this section are tolerant of moist or periodically submerged conditions, while those planted higher up the swale are adapted to handle temporary wetness and thrive in drier conditions between rain events.

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): The garden incorporates multiple SuDS to manage water efficiently. Rainwater from the tea house roof flows down rain chains, is collected in a harvesting tank and surrounding planters, and then gradually flows into the swale before reaching the retention pond.

Water features that minimize environmental risk and maximize environmental benefit (for example, soft-edge ponds): The Rain Garden includes water storage tanks alongside natural elements such as a large swale and bog garden. This system captures roof runoff, reducing the load on the sewer system and helping to prevent downstream flooding. Additionally, enhanced moisture retention in the soil improves water absorption and reduces runoff, particularly during dry periods.

Plants

There will be around 300 plants in this garden.

New or statement plants

The garden features a calming monochromatic colour palette, blending whites and greens with subtle hints of bronze. These tones complement the Corten steel elements, drawing the viewer’s eye throughout the space. A diverse selection of plants and trees has been carefully chosen to thrive in varying conditions. Those planted in the swale are adapted to both wet and dry environments, while plants situated higher up the hill flourish in well-draining soil.

Edibles

The designer has used various edi-mental plants in the garden such as Wasabi and bronze fennel.

Plant supplier

Hortus Loci as they have great show garden experience and a great selection of plants.

Sponsorship

What does the sponsor see as the advantages of sponsoring a garden at the show? Why did they decide to get involved this year?

There are over five million homes in the UK at risk of flooding. Flood Re aim to improve the understanding of the risks of flooding, and the simple, affordable things that gardeners can do to reduce the impact. Following a successful experience at Chelsea in 2024 with ‘Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden’ Flood Re were keen to continue the great work they’re doing in educating homeowners and developers by demonstrating how it’s possible to mitigate flood risk on a domestic scale through water management and well thought out planting whilst being able to showcase a beautifully designed and practical garden even in the smallest of spaces.

Malvern, with its strong media presence and high visitor turnout, provides an exciting opportunity to reach a new audience, households and future developers alike by inspiring and educating them on the practical benefits of creative water management solutions.

About the designer

John Howlett comes from a long lineage of gardeners and head gardeners. He graduated with a distinction and special mention from the London College of Garden Design in July 2024. Prior to this, John earned a Fine Art degree specialising in sculpture from the Reigate School of Art and Design, and a First-Class Honours degree in Film from Derby University.

John worked as a television director for over 15 years, directing high-end dramas for the BBC, Channel 4, and others. Notable credits include EastEnders, Casualty, and Made in Chelsea. In 2023, he decided to follow his passion for sustainable design and horticulture, marking a significant career shift toward garden design.

His ‘Historical Restoration’ project—a design inspired by Arts and Crafts gardens and based on a former quarry in Oxfordshire—was nominated and shortlisted by the Society of Garden Designers in 2025.

This is John’s debut show garden for the RHS. Additionally, he has been selected to design a border at the RHS Hampton Court Show in 2025.

John says, ‘I believe a well-designed garden is something that can enhance your life through its beauty and functionality. Whether it’s an immersive natural space designed for relaxation and reflection or somewhere to explore and energise, it should be bespoke and personal to you and its environment. I have a great love for nature, sustainability and horticulture and always use a concept to bring ideas and inspirations together.’

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

John says, ‘ The chance to design a beautiful garden that also has a real potential to make a difference to people’s lives by helping manage flood risks is a great privilege. As a new graduate, it will expose people to me and my work and meeting like-minded potential collaborators has been great for future projects.’