Rachael Austin, co-founder of Austin Design Works in Nailsworth, has been selected to design the Society of Garden Designers' trade stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
Her innovative concept, chosen for its creativity and compelling narrative, captures the transformative journey of turning dreams into reality through the art of garden design.
Inspired by high-fashion window displays, theatrical storytelling and the idea that design is a high-end product, Rachael’s design is a striking combination of fantasy and reality.
Visitors will experience a journey through the layers of the design process, beginning with a dreamy, theatrical stage set framed by cut-out trees, hand-painted white to evoke the dream starting point of the design process and the garden-themed nursery rhyme world of 'silver bells and cockle shells'.
The middle section gives visitors an insight into the technical stage of garden creation and features annotated construction elevations.
Practical spaces for engagement include niches showcasing members' work on digital displays and a central bench where visitors can rest and interact with designers.
At the rear, the design culminates in reality. A stunning wooden arch, adorned with roses and festoon lights, frames a backlit screen showing a breathtaking garden.
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the concept. The stand incorporates ramps for ease of movement and enhanced audio descriptions for visitors with hearing or vision impairments.
It also celebrates diversity, highlighting the people and communities behind the gardens — clients, designers and collaborators from all backgrounds.
There were more than 30 entries for judges to weigh up in the design competition.
Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, Andrew Duff, said: 'We unanimously agreed Rachael's design stood out not only for its creativity and originality but also for the compelling story behind it.
'The way in which her concept captures the essence of the design process and communicates that narrative is something we all feel will resonate perfectly with both the audience and the ethos of the show.'
Rachael, an award-winning landscape designer, said: 'It is an incredible honour to have my design chosen by the Society of Garden Designers for such a prestigious platform.
'This design is about more than just gardens — it’s about the transformative journey of creativity and the connections we forge through design.
'As a B Corp, I’m proud to bring these values to life at RHS Chelsea, showing how gardens can inspire and unite people across generations and communities.'
RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in May 2025.
