The Rain Garden at the RHS Malvern Flower Show 2025, designed by John Howlett, was an immersive garden designed to showcase how we can transform urban spaces into thriving, nature-friendly sanctuaries.

This garden celebrated the beauty of sustainable water management and its positive impact on the environment. Through innovative rainwater harvesting techniques – like elegant rain chains, swales, and troughs – The Rain Garden demonstrated that we can not only alleviate the challenges of flooding, but also create a serene, biodiverse oasis that nurtures both people and planet.

The design was inspired by the tranquil spirit of Japanese tea houses, offering a space where visitors could pause, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the soothing sounds of water and nature. The garden’s green and white palette, accented by splashes of rust-coloured flowers and Corten arches, guide you through a series of quiet revelations as you walk, allowing you to experience nature’s rhythm in every step. As grasses sway and water flows, the bustle of the city fades away, and you are immersed in a sanctuary that invites mindfulness and connection.