Soft, calming colours, a classic cream picket fence and a playful willow dog sculpture create a welcoming, homely atmosphere, designed to suit a typical UK garden and to be enjoyed by everyone. The design is inspired by Nikki’s parents’ and grandparents’ gardens, drawing on memories of family, shared moments and the simple pleasure of gardening together. It aims to evoke nostalgia, encouraging visitors to reflect, reminisce and spark conversations about their own childhood gardens and experiences.

The design reflects a topical interest in nostalgia and its positive impact on emotional well-being, using familiar cottage-garden plants, scent and colour to evoke childhood memories. It also celebrates intergenerational gardening, highlighting how knowledge, traditions and simple rituals like sowing seeds are passed down through families.

A standout feature is the hand-woven willow dog sculpture, crafted in Derbyshire from locally grown willow. Its natural materials and playful character create a distinctive yet gentle focal point within the border.

The planting scheme features resilient, long-lived shrubs and perennials that support wildlife, provide year-round interest and require minimal resources. Visitors are encouraged to adopt similar approaches at home by choosing local materials, wildlife-friendly plants and simple, low-impact gardening practices that combine beauty, nostalgia and environmental responsibility.

After the show, plants will be sold, with any remaining specimens relocated to the public-facing gardens of a local church, ensuring they continue to be enjoyed and maintained. Sustainability is central to the design, using UK-grown plants to reduce transport miles and natural, locally sourced materials. A life-size willow dog sculpture, grown and woven in Derbyshire, showcases renewable, biodegradable materials and traditional British craftsmanship.

Nikki has been working in the horticultural space for 10 years and is the proud curator of Border in a Box. She has since received numerous accolades and recognition for her work, including: RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Silver medal 2022, BBC Gardeners’ World Live – Beautiful Border 2021 Silver Merit and RHS Silver medal & People’s Choice Award 2016 (RHS Malvern Spring Festival).

Nikki says,“Designing a garden at the show offers a unique opportunity to showcase ideas on a public stage, connect with visitors, and demonstrate how thoughtful planting can transform even a small space. It’s a chance to inspire people, share practical design solutions, and highlight the emotional power of gardens.

“I chose to get involved this year because the Blooming Border category aligns perfectly with my business, which specialises in ready‑made garden borders. It allows me to demonstrate exactly how a cohesive, beautifully planted border can look and feel in real life. This year also marks a special milestone – it’s the 10‑year anniversary of my very first show garden border at Malvern in 2016 – so returning feels both meaningful and celebratory.”