Flood Re: Contain the Rain Garden
Acacia Gardens was proud to construct the Flood Re: Contain the Rain Garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Designed by John Howlett Studio and sponsored by Flood Re, the garden explored how compact urban spaces can become climate-resilient sanctuaries that balance sustainability, wellbeing and contemporary garden design. This garden was awarded a gold medal for a Container Garden.
Inspired by traditional Persian gardens, the space transformed a small urban footprint into a calm and immersive retreat through layered planting, geometric structure and integrated water management. Designed in response to increasing urban flooding and rising temperatures, the garden demonstrated how sustainable landscaping and resilient planting can help manage excess rainwater while still feeling elegant, restorative and highly functional.
As featured in The Telegraph Newspaper article: Chelsea Flower Show: The Seven Must-See Gardens.
John Howlett Studio designed the garden, which employed strong hexagonal geometry throughout, from the bespoke metal planters and architectural screening to the tiled flooring and water features. Large-format pale limestone paving brightened the compact space, while green glazed inlay tiles from Bert & May introduced pattern, structure and decorative detailing inspired by traditional Persian design.
A major feature of the garden was the aged copper and metalwork used throughout the scheme. The bespoke planters, wall panels, rear mirror and water features were treated to develop an oxidised turquoise and verdigris patina, creating vibrant blue-green tones that contrasted beautifully against the deep green planting palette.
The rear elevation incorporated a large hexagonal mirrored screen framed within an architectural archway, reflecting light and planting back into the space to make the garden feel larger and more immersive.
Integrated water features introduced movement and sound throughout the garden, including cascading chain water features formed from suspended metal cups, as well as quieter reflective pools concealed within the planting.
Dense, foliage-led planting softened the garden’s strong architectural geometry, creating a calm, immersive atmosphere throughout the space. Parrotia persica trees positioned on either side of the built-in bench provided structure and light canopy, while layers of ferns, hostas, Rodgersia, hakonechloa and astilbes added texture, movement and tonal contrast. Shades of deep green, silver and burgundy from plants including Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’, Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ and Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ helped create a cool, enclosed feeling within the compact footprint. The planting worked closely with the water features and shaded seating areas to create a tranquil urban retreat inspired by traditional Persian courtyard gardens.
Acacia Gardens delivered the garden in full, overseeing all aspects of the build, from groundwork and hard landscaping to planter installation, water management systems and final planting. Although compact in scale, the project required exceptional precision and coordination to achieve the clean geometry and immersive atmosphere central to the design.
Particular attention was paid to installing the bespoke hexagonal planters, integrated drainage systems, and concealed water-storage infrastructure beneath the garden. Every element needed to function effectively while preserving the space’s calm, refined aesthetic. Additional details, including integrated lighting, built-in seating and carefully selected drainage aggregates, helped reinforce the material palette and create a garden that felt cohesive, atmospheric and highly resolved.
Although relatively small in scale, this garden required an incredible amount of detail and precision. Every element had to work cohesively, from the bespoke planter installation through to the integrated water management systems beneath the surface. It was a fantastic project to be involved in because it demonstrated how sustainable urban gardens can still feel immersive, elegant and beautifully designed.”
Herman Pobrati
Managing Director Acacia Gardens Ltd
