About the Tablescape
This tablescape focuses on nature and the promotion of preserving it through a ‘The Wind in the Willows’ riverside retreat design. It is imagined as a place where the characters might gather to discuss fishing, cricket and the weather, while enjoying tea and light refreshments such as English strawberries.
Recognisable and playful details scattered throughout for visitors to discover, including fishing rods, straw boaters, paddles and Moley’s glasses, alongside smaller hidden elements that reward closer inspection, will help to draw visitors of all ages into the story. In turn, the designers hope to encourage interaction and conversation about the British countryside, literature and the characters.
A layered, cascading tablescape will be created using a collection of small and large vintage glass containers, each filled with fresh flowers and foliage. These vessels will flow across the table like a gentle river current.
The colour palette is centred around moss green, with accents of peachy pink and soft blue to reference the riverside in spring.
Planting and floral material will include home‑grown flowers, alongside British‑grown, seasonal plants suited to the local environment. British willow, sourced from nearby Somerset, will be used as a structural and creative element within the design.
For the flower arrangers and florists, the designers showcase floral art in a sustainable way and hope to inspire creativity and encourage a departure from conventional expectations.
To enhance the immersive experience, soft countryside soundscapes will play in the background, accompanied by warm, soft yellow lighting, creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Inspiration
This design is inspired by the children’s classic The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908), set in the heart of the British countryside. The story’s beloved characters – Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad – and its gentle celebration of nature, friendship and the arrival of spring form the foundation of the exhibit.
The book opens with as Mole emerges from his underground home and meets the Water Vole, Ratty, by the riverbank who introduces him to fishing and ‘simply messing about in boats’. The designers also drew inspiration from these traditional British pastimes.
To recreate the riverbank setting, the designers were influenced by the natural landscape of the Three Counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. With the rivers Severn, Wye and Avon flowing through these counties, this area remains rich in wildlife and natural beauty.
Sustainability
All aspects of the design will be sustainable.
Flowers will be either homegrown or from British growers.
All the props will be either handmade, vintage or recycled.
Textiles will be from recycled garments. Willow will be sourced from nearby Somerset.
About the Designers
Poppy and Margaret are a granddaughter and grandmother team. They have been competing together since May 2023 and won four Gold Medals in floral Art which combines floristry expertise with creative flair.
Margaret is a trained Florist with 60 years of floral Art and floristry experience. Poppy is an interior design student and has competed at RHS Malvern for the past 10 years. Poppy has been competing in floral Art at Malvern since the age of 9 and as a junior won multiple classes, including Best Junior and Best use of Colour.
