Pressed in Time: Nature’s Memory

The garden

A gently winding gravel path guides visitors through soft, textured planting, echoing the layered beauty found in pressed botanical art. At its heart sits a giant flower press structure made from reclaimed materials, celebrating the act of preserving blooms and the emotional meaning they hold. Beyond it, a quiet reflective space showcases an installation of hand pressed flowers, inviting visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature and appreciate the fleeting beauty of seasonal plants. 

The design is inspired directly by the tradition of flower pressing and the way plants capture personal memories, stories and moments in time. Both the designer and sponsor share a deep interest in how nature can hold emotional meaning. This garden translates that idea into a sensory landscape where visitors can experience flowers in their living state before encountering them preserved as art. The narrative encourages mindfulness, calm and connection with the natural world, reminding us that every bloom has value and that beauty is worth noticing and protecting.  

The planting

The planting is light, airy, and textured, designed to create a sense of calm movement and gentle immersion. Grasses and perennials form layered compositions that celebrate the vibrancy of late spring blooms.

Key plants include: 

• Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
• Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’
• Geranium ‘Sabani Blue’
• Papaver (Oriental Group) ‘Beauty of Livermere’
• Lunaria annua

Unsung plant heroes such as Anthriscus sylvestris, Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’, Erigeron karvinskianus, Silene dioica, and Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice’ provide subtle structure and enhance biodiversity. The planting also includes edible and culinary species that bring additional heritage and sensory interest. Plants are supplied by Garden Sage, a family run nursery in West Sussex known for its robust, sustainable, peat‑free growing practices. 

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of Pressed in Time. The giant flower‑press structure is built from reclaimed materials and no concrete is used anywhere in the garden. Decorative pressed flower elements are handcrafted using 100% biodegradable resin and reclaimed glass, reflecting low impact making and a commitment to environmentally responsible craft. The garden is heavily planted with minimal hard landscaping and all materials are sourced from UK based suppliers. After the show, the garden will be relocated to a community site in Worthing, either a primary school or a public green space, ensuring long term benefit, biodiversity support and educational value. The planting scheme prioritises drought tolerant species, resilient structure and permeable surfaces to promote sustainable water management.  

The designer – Lora Peneva

Lora Peneva is a garden designer, gardener and founder of Urban Greenery, based near the coast in West Sussex. She holds a Garden Design Diploma from KLC School of Design, along with extensive training in horticulture and practical gardening. Her approach blends sensory, nature inspired design with a professional background in project management, bringing clarity, structure and care to every project. Lora’s work centres on wellbeing, planting design and the belief that gardens should be spaces that nurture both people and the environment.  

For Lora, designing a show garden offers creative freedom and the chance to share meaningful ideas on a public stage. It provides an opportunity to express her passion for nature, sustainability and emotional connection through plants, while raising awareness of topics close to her heart.