St Godwald's Retreat

An RHS Malvern Spring Festival Show Garden 2025

Designed and built by F.B & Sons for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre

The Legacy of St Godwald’s Retreat

St Godwald’s Retreat is more than just a show garden; it is a lasting tribute to the memory of loved ones and a reflection of the compassionate care provided by Primrose Hospice. This garden is designed not only to offer solace in the present but to create a lasting legacy for those who have found comfort within its walls.

Standing stones of Carnac in france, in late summer surrounded by golden grass and wildflowers

Following its 2025 RHS Malvern appearance, the garden was relocated to Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove as a sanctuary for patients, families and staff. The garden continues to serve as a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing, offering a peaceful environment where memories can be honoured and connections with nature can bring comfort.

In crafting this garden, we sought to inspire others to consider the impact of their surroundings on emotional well-being, and to showcase how sustainable practices and traditional craftsmanship can create timeless spaces. St Godwald’s Retreat stands as a lasting reminder of the importance of hospice care, the beauty of nature, and the power of memory.

Exploring St Godwald’s Retreat

Pink and white flowers growing among grasses in a garden border.

Planting & Hedging

A mix of native species, wildflowers, historic medicinal plants, foliage-rich perennials, and native hedging chosen for resilience, scent, and symbolism

Whelk Shell Aggregate

A sustainable alternative to traditional gravel, made from a by-product of the Welsh fishing industry.

Watercolour illustration of a circular stone arch in a planted garden, with standing stones beyond.

Moon Arch

A stone portal framing the Reflection lodge housing the wind telephone, symbolising transition and the journey beyond.

Split chestnut fencing across a grassy rural landscape.

Split Chestnut Estate Fencing

Traditional, rough-cut fencing made from UK-grown timber.

Reclaimed Blue Lias Paving

Local to North East Worcestershire, reducing environmental impact while honouring the region’s heritage.

Watercolour illustration of a rotary telephone on a table beside a chair in a small room.

Telephone of the Wind

A space for private reflection, inspired by the Japanese concept, allowing people to ‘speak’ to those they have lost.

Watercolour illustration of standing stones, fencing and planting.

Standing Stones & Labyrinth

Inspired by ancient landscapes, with a mindful labyrinth woven with scented herbs.

Memory Tree

Displayed at RHS Malvern 2025 from its home at Primrose Hospice, holding messages, names and tributes to loved ones.

The Reflection Lodge

A hand-crafted wattle and daub structure, finished with lime-hemp render and ochre pigment.