The Glasshouse Garden

Designed by Jo Thompson, the only female designer of a large show garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, The Glasshouse Garden was a bold, immersive space celebrating feminine strength, second chances, and the healing power of nature. The garden was unveiled at the show, where it was awarded a Gold Medal in recognition of its exceptional design and execution.

The design was inspired by the women of The Glasshouse, a pioneering social enterprise supporting women leaving prison through horticultural training, resettlement support and employment. With a 0% reoffending rate, The Glasshouse programme transforms lives, offering a positive and purposeful future for women in custody, their families and wider society.

The garden’s colour palette was inspired by the idea of “strong beauty”, blending deep reds, pinks and crimsons with soft peach and apricot hues. Roses took centre stage, including varieties such as ‘Tuscany Superb’, ‘Wild Rover’ and ‘Emma Bridgewater’. River birch (Betula nigra) and Zelkova serrata formed a light, delicate canopy, with the peeling bark of Betula nigra, in warm peachy tones, echoing and complementing the pavilion’s softly tinted panels.

“The planting combinations in the garden of Jo Thompson are divine.”
Clare Foster, Gardens Editor, House and Garden

At the heart of the design was a translucent elliptical pavilion, created in collaboration with Hollaway Studio, formed from recycled acrylic in a soft, four-colour botanical tint. This elegant structure sat amongst the rich, layered planting and offered a safe space for reflection, connection and support. A flowing stone rill wove through the garden, ending in a tranquil pool.

“The Glasshouse Garden at Chelsea Flower Show is a masterclass in bold, meaningful colour,”
Homes & Gardens

Following the show, the garden was relocated to HMP Downview, a women’s closed prison in Surrey, where it now provides a permanent space for horticultural training and rehabilitation, supporting women as they plan for release through The Glasshouse programme.