St Godwald's Retreat

RHS medal-winning garden · Malvern 2025

Created for Primrose Hospice by F.B & Sons

Why St Godwald?

We selected St. Godwald as the inspiration for our show garden due to his unique historical connection to Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and Primrose Hospice. St. Godwald, a 6th-century Breton monk, is honoured at St. Godwald's Church in Finstall, Bromsgrove—the only church in England dedicated to him. His legacy is also intertwined with St. Dunstan, who served as Bishop of Worcester from 957 to 959 before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. St. Dunstan is believed to have founded the Chapel of St. Gudwal in Worcester during the 950s, suggesting a direct connection between these two saints. This historical link highlights a shared commitment to faith, healing, and community—values that remain deeply relevant today.

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

In designing the 2025 show garden, we drew inspiration from the standing stones characteristic of the Breton landscape in France, reflecting the environment St. Godwald would have known. These ancient stone formations symbolise endurance and sanctuary, qualities that resonate with the mission of Primrose Hospice. His legacy of community, healing, and sanctuary aligns perfectly with the hospice's mission to support individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses, making this garden not only a tribute to St. Godwald but also a space of reflection and peace for all.

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

Temporarily relocated from 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.