RHS Malvern Spring Festival
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The Hierarchy of Plants

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The garden is inspired by the basic need to realise one’s full potential and becoming everything that you can be, as suggested by Mazlow’s hierarchy of needs. Often presented as a pyramid, the philosophy categorises our five essential needs: physiological (food, water and shelter), safety, social (belonging), esteem and self-actualisation (creativity, achievement).

The garden is a tiered, tropical style garden infused with a variety of cottage garden plants interspersed with lush foliage and textural plants.

This garden is designed to educate people on how to overwinter tender and tropical plants. Everything planted on the ground level can be overwintered outside, everything planted in the raised beds will need overwintering frost-free. Hidden around the garden is a treasure hunt of ten tiny watering cans, to encourage children to engage with gardening.

There is creative use of upcycled sculptures and water feature with a seating area, perfect for a tropical cocktail on a warm summer evening. The garden build is simple, with the hard landscaping being easily replicated in any domestic garden.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for? 
A plant collector, someone who loves all plants indoor and outdoor.
Where is the garden set?  
The garden is set in the West Midlands.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
The garden was inspired by Mazlow’s hierarchy of needs.

Garden Legacy:

After the Festival elements of the garden are being relocated to a private sponsor’s house in the West Midlands.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.