Health and Wellbeing Garden

RHS Ambassador Jekka McVicar unveiled the first permanent garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017

As the focus for the new Live Well Zone at the Show, Jekka’s Health & Wellbeing garden was inspired by the increasing need for reflection and escape from the stresses of modern life. It seeks to preserve and share the vital knowledge of how horticulture and its associated therapies can help soothe the mind, body and soul.

Discover more about Jekka's garden at the show

The garden brings to life a living, working space for the mind, body and senses and shows the role gardens continue to play in our health and sense of wellbeing.

Jekka McVicar said: “I want the Health & Wellbeing Garden to be a usable and beautiful space that is embraced by people of all ages.”

Visitors entered the elliptical garden through a cherry tree walk, edged with lavender, which will give a sense of calm as they progress to the central seating area. Once at the centre, show-goers came to a tranquil seating area, where they could immerse themselves among the aromatic herb beds, and educate themselves on the part that herbs and horticulture play in today’s society.
 

Throughout the four days of the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Jekka hosted daily ‘herb conversations’ in the garden, unearthing hidden gems from the world of alternative therapies, food and gardening. Jekka also provided insights into herbs as the foundation of modern medicine, seeking to preserve the knowledge that over time is in danger of being lost.

The planting

The theme is all about wellness of body and mind:

• Rosemary has been scientifically proven to restore the memory

• Fennel is a good digestive

• Woad is a traditional dye plant

• Heartsease helps mend a broken heart

• Lavender helps relax the mind and body

Explore Jekka's garden

The Pathways charity

The Health & Wellbeing Garden has been commissioned to remain on site for use after the show by Pathways, a charity for adults with learning difficulties and also local schools and educational establishments. Pathways use gardening and the environment as an educational tool to introduce young adults to the working world.