Japanese garden inspired by forest bathing wins top honor at Chelsea Flower Show

A forest garden inspired by Japan won the Best Show Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. It was designed for people with muscle wastage. The garden follows the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which means forest-bathing. Muscular Dystrophy UK sponsored the garden, designed by Ula Maria, a landscape designer from London. The garden provides a peaceful place for reflection for those affected by muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens muscles over time. After the show ends, the garden will be moved to benefit those with the condition. Another award went to Matthew Childs Design for the Best Construction. Their garden, the Terrence Higgins Trust Bridge to 2030 Garden, resembles a rejuvenated quarry landscape. It features a slate stepping stone bridge over water, symbolizing the charity's goal of no new HIV cases by 2030. The design was inspired by the restoration of slate mines in North Wales. Tom Bannister won the Best Ecotherapy Garden award. His garden mimics a small London courtyard with a Thames-yellow brick wall covered in plants, showing people's natural connection to nature. Other winners included the Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden and the Size of Wales Garden. The Chelsea Flower Show is organized by the Royal Horticultural Society, a leading gardening charity in the UK. The event showcases new garden designs and colorful floral displays. The show attracts visitors and royalty, like King and Queen Camilla, who visited this year. The event closes on May 25th. When creating your garden, start with the structural elements first, like the show garden designers do. Ensure water has a way to drain, and consider using porous paths instead of solid paving. Pay attention to colors that blend well with your surroundings. Select plants carefully, like Silene fimbriata or 'Butter and Sugar' Siberian iris, which are popular choices. Look for plants that add golden highlights, such as the martagon lily 'Fairy Morning'. Consider 'Brookside' for a good blue option with bronze-tinted foliage and white flowers.