The Rain Garden - GardensDB Browse [ ![](/images/leaf_icon.svg) Gardens**DB** ](https://gardensdb.com) [ Gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/gardens) [ Shows ](https://gardensdb.com/shows) [ Studios ](https://gardensdb.com/studios) [ People ](https://gardensdb.com/people) [ Search gardens, designers, shows… ](https://gardensdb.com/search) [ Login ](https://gardensdb.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fgardensdb.com%2Fgardens%2Fthe-rain-garden) [ Register ](https://gardensdb.com/register) [ ](https://gardensdb.com/search) Discover - [ Home ](https://gardensdb.com) - [ Gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/gardens) - [ Shows ](https://gardensdb.com/shows) - [ Events ](https://gardensdb.com/events) - [ 360° tours ](https://gardensdb.com/360-tours) - [ Trails ](https://gardensdb.com/trails) People & studios - [ People ](https://gardensdb.com/people) - [ Studios ](https://gardensdb.com/studios) - [ Books ](https://gardensdb.com/books) - [ Jobs ](https://gardensdb.com/jobs) Organisations - [ Sponsors ](https://gardensdb.com/sponsors) - [ Charity & non-profits ](https://gardensdb.com/charities) - [ Collectives ](https://gardensdb.com/collectives) - [ Companies ](https://gardensdb.com/companies) - [ Education ](https://gardensdb.com/education-institutions) - [ Nurseries ](https://gardensdb.com/nurseries) Account - [ Login ](https://gardensdb.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fgardensdb.com%2Fgardens%2Fthe-rain-garden) - [ Register ](https://gardensdb.com/register) Discover - [ Home Today's highlights ](https://gardensdb.com) - [ Gardens Show gardens, catalogued ](https://gardensdb.com/gardens) - [ Shows Horticultural shows ](https://gardensdb.com/shows) - [ Events Festivals, courses & open days ](https://gardensdb.com/events) - [ 360° tours Step inside, long after the show packs up ](https://gardensdb.com/360-tours) - [ Trails Curated routes through the gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/trails) People & studios - [ People Designers, judges, growers ](https://gardensdb.com/people) - [ Studios Design practices ](https://gardensdb.com/studios) - [ Books Recommended reading ](https://gardensdb.com/books) - [ Jobs Roles in the industry ](https://gardensdb.com/jobs) Organisations - [ Sponsors Organisations that back the gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/sponsors) - [ Charity & non-profits Causes behind the gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/charities) - [ Collectives Groups & community projects ](https://gardensdb.com/collectives) - [ Companies Suppliers & contractors ](https://gardensdb.com/companies) - [ Education Schools, colleges & universities ](https://gardensdb.com/education-institutions) - [ Nurseries Plant suppliers & growers ](https://gardensdb.com/nurseries) [ Submit a garden ](https://gardensdb.com/gardens/submit) [ About GardensDB ](https://gardensdb.com/help) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/gardens/the-rain-garden/primary_image.webp) [Gardens](https://gardensdb.com/gardens) / [ RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2025 ](https://gardensdb.com/shows/rhs-malvern-spring-festival-2025) Show Garden ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/awards/rhs-gold-medal/icon.webp) Gold Medal The Rain Garden ================= Designed by John Howlett At a glance Show RHS Malvern Spring Festival Year 2025 Category Show Garden Large Show Garden Photo: RHS Malvern About this garden The story ----------- The Rain Garden is inspired by the changing climate and flood risks that urban environments face. 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’s 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, rust-coloured accents, guiding visitors through a sensory experience. The calming sounds of water and rustling grasses create a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. Garden Legacy: After the Festival, the garden will be relocated to Coppermill Primary School in Walthamstow, which already has strong eco-credentials. The garden will provide much-needed solutions to the school’s flooding issues. Additionally, the trees and plants will offer shade for the children, while helping to connect local biodiversity with the surrounding landscape and the nearby Walthamstow wetlands. Award Recognition ------------- - ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/awards/rhs-gold-medal/icon.webp) Gold Medal RHS The people behind it Designer ---------- - [ ![John Howlett](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/people/john-howlett/profile_photo.webp) John Howlett Designer ](https://gardensdb.com/people/john-howlett) Photography Gallery --------- ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/5c59a8d6-9ed6-470f-8915-0e30732a94ca/conversions/overview-the-rain-garden-1088x612-gallery.webp) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/db648113-c31b-455d-a4ea-613302a90d37/conversions/The-Rain-Garden-4-gallery.webp) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/c26dd081-01bd-40c0-a827-5e827bd05c93/conversions/The-Rain-Garden-3-gallery.webp) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/2eae7c8b-f4c6-4a52-9033-36642b587218/conversions/The-Rain-Garden-1-gallery.webp) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/7d0f8e85-c5bd-4ed6-a978-4f17cf299bb9/conversions/render-gallery.webp) ![](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/media/f303762b-80e3-4e37-8258-6e589cd51bd3/conversions/The-Rain-Garden-2-gallery.webp) ![]() / Photo: Brought to life by Organisations --------------- ### Landscaper 1 - [ ![Outdoor Living Gardens](https://cdn.gardensdb.com/companies/outdoor-living-gardens/logo.webp) Outdoor Living Gardens ](https://gardensdb.com/companies/outdoor-living-gardens) ![](/images/leaf_icon.svg) Gardens**DB** The world's largest collection of show gardens online, kept free, kept current, and shaped by the community that uses it. 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