A Japanese garden inspired by ‘forest bathing’ has won Best In Show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Ula Maria, 31, from Lithuania and now based in London, won the show’s highest prize as a first-time competitor.
Their “Japanese bath” garden, also known as shinrin yoku, is inspired by ancient traditions that consider lying under trees a restorative process and a way to connect with the natural world.
The garden aims for an ‘underplanted’ effect with 40 birch trees to create a grove and just a few flowers, such as melica altissima Alba grass, mayflowers and lilies for touches of colour.
There is also a flint wall inspired by muscle cells and the garden aims to provide a place for solitude and introspection, inspired by ancient traditions.
Ula Maria won Best In Show in Chelsea for her Japanese garden inspired by forest bathing
The garden seeks an ‘underplanted’ effect with 40 birch trees to create a grove and only a few flowers.
The Japanese bathing garden, also known as shinrin yoku, is inspired by ancient traditions
Mrs. Maria said The Telegraph previously: ‘What we found is that being in those relaxing atmospheres, like a forest, just makes you feel calmer.
‘Forest bathing helps reduce heart rate and calms our nervous system. Trees release essential oils, which have phytoncides, which in turn help with physical well-being.
“So I think if we can achieve a really calm green color palette, that will make us feel naturally calmer and more relaxed in gardens.”
“Forest bathing” is even prescribed in the Japanese equivalent of the National Health Service (NHS) because of its healing properties, says Maria.
The design genius was participating on behalf of the charity Muscular Dyscracy UK, a degenerative disease that affects muscle mass and function.
The immersive garden was created as a refuge for patients with muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that weakens muscles.
Maria, 31, studied fine arts in Lithuania before moving to England in 2008, where she studied for an MA in Landscape Architecture at Birmingham City University.
She was named RHS Young Designer of the Year in 2017 at the Tatton Park Flower Show and in 2020 published a book called Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces.
She says her love of gardening comes from her childhood in rural Lithuania.
She told the BBC: “I used to spend every summer immersed in the garden, so I feel this innate connection to nature.”
“I was lucky to grow up in a landscape surrounded by meadows.”
The forest bathing garden is one of 15 at the fair that will be supported by the Giving Back Project, which financially supports charities.
Maria, 31, originally from Lithuania, was competing in the show for the first time.
Guests view the RHS Chelsea Best in Show winner Forest Swimming Garden, designed by first-time competitor Ula Maria
Crowds soon flocked to the garden after the prestigious award was announced.
On the other hand, the Best Construction Award went to Terrence Higgins Trust Bridge to 2030 Garden, while the Best Sanctuary Garden was awarded to Helen Olney’s Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden.
The Chelsea Flower Show started yesterday and was even visited by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The King’s attendance is another positive step for the monarch, who has gradually returned to his public duties amid his cancer treatment.
Charles has had a long-standing relationship with the RHS and has regularly attended the Flower Show over the years.
Ahead of the country’s favorite gardening event, Charles was announced as the new patron, taking over from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022.
oyful Noise, a community choir where everyone lives well with HIV, performs at the Terrence Higgins Trust Bridge to 2030 Show Garden, which won the award for best construction.
The Size of Wales Garden, winner of the Best All About Plants award
The Boodles Garden, which is a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery and winner of the Best Construction Award (Sanctuary Garden)
Queen Elizabeth became patron of the Society when she acceded to the throne in 1952, meaning she held the title for more than 72 years.
Established in 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become one of the world’s largest showcases of horticultural excellence, attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
Since its inception, it has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to more than 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, florists, educational displays and trade stands.
Today the exhibition attracts 168,000 visitors and is organized by the Royal Horticultural Society, founded in 1804.