The WaterAid Garden by Studio Weave and Tom Massey has been awarded a Gold medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The garden and its pavilion address climate challenges by focusing on sustainable water management. The design highlights the importance of water as a vital resource and is a collaboration between architect Je Ahn, founder of Studio Weave, and landscape designer Tom Massey, in partnership with the international non-profit WaterAid, supported by the grant-making charity Project Giving Back.

At the heart of the garden is a rainwater-harvesting pavilion that provides a large catchment area for rainwater, while referencing the flow of water and framing the garden around. The pavilion filters water down through a series of cor-ten rusted steel columns and stores water so it can be used for drinking and irrigation, slowing down water flow and supplying shade. Resting atop the pavilion, almost like a lily pad, is further planting, which absorb more water and visually layer the garden.

The garden includes Alder trees, 16 meters tall, chosen for their adaptability to various weather conditions: Alder wood hardens in water and can survive submersion; the roots, meanwhile, capture nitrogen, improving soil fertility, and can absorb toxic heavy metals, aiding in the restoration of industrial wastelands.

In doing so, the garden and pavilion addresses the challenges of both flood and drought that more UK homes (and gardens) are facing, offering practical ways to save and re-use water – even in smaller gardens, as well highlighting how clever planting can improve flood resiliency.

Plants such as Eriocephalus africanus from South Africa and the Red Yucca were also chosen for their ability to tolerate tough conditions, in particular the cold and drought.

Following the show, the WaterAid Garden will be relocated to a permanent site to educate future gardeners about effective rainwater collection and the sustainable use of water in gardens.

“I’m delighted that The WaterAid Garden has been awarded a gold medal. This project has been a significant undertaking, creating a garden that is both visually striking and demonstrates the impact of clean water and innovative solutions in adapting to climate change,” said co-designer Tom Massey. “Working alongside Je Ahn, WaterAid, Project Giving Back, and the teams at Landscape Associates, Cake Industries, Hortus Loci, and others has been a rewarding experience.”

“With the increasing prevalence of water scarcity and insecurity, both in the UK and globally, I hope visitors to the garden recognize the importance of sustainable water management and the potential of collaborative efforts.”

Je Ahn added: “I’m proud that our garden has won a Gold medal. This is Studio Weave’s first time creating a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and it has been a successful collaborative effort. The garden conveys a message of hope, demonstrating how resilience and innovation can help us adapt to climate challenges. I look forward to seeing the garden and pavilion have a lasting impact in its new home in northern England and inspire future generations to be more mindful of water use.”

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