Tales from the Riverbank Garden sponsored by Kennedys’ Independent Property Agents

The garden

Tales from the Riverbank offers a river-dwelling bird’s-eye view of a young couple’s dream – a small but perfectly formed floating home with a fully functioning garden. Away from the hustle and bustle of working life, it blends seamlessly with the natural riverbank environment.

This garden celebrates the arts and crafts of a bygone era of riverside living, an approach enjoying a revival as more people seek a simpler, more connected way of life. It reflects a community that works together to preserve the integrity of the riverbank, rather than closing the door on the outside world.

Designer Kate Henning, who has lived on a houseboat for nine years, sees creating an RHS Balcony Garden as an opportunity to show how wonderful a houseboat garden can be. Key features include a dipping tank, an outdoor entertaining and cooking area, and clever use of space, utilising the boat’s roof to grow edibles.

The plants

Featuring native aquatic plants that grow along the river-bank, in a pink, yellow and white colour scheme, with pops of seasonal colour. All the planting will be suitable for container growing and the visitor will be inspired by how both edibles and aquatics can be grown in a limited space.

Plants supplier: to be confirmed

Sustainability notes

A dipping tank provides practical water storage in an attractive, weight-conscious design. It uses sustainable and repurposed building materials wherever possible and promotes growing seasonal edibles that can be preserved or stored, reducing reliance on imported or expensive produce.

The designers – Susie Kennedy and Kate Henning

Susie transitioned from floristry and event floral staging to garden design, graduating with Distinction in both Garden Design and Planting Design Diplomas at LCGD, and winning the Judge’s Award for her final project. She now runs a Garden Design Studio as part of her family’s property business, creating biodiverse, climate-resilient and sustainable gardens. Her planting style emphasises quiet romance and timeless beauty, with a strong focus on environmental impact. In 2025, she designed the Monastic Healing Garden at RHS Hampton Court, sparking her ambition to exhibit at RHS Chelsea.

Kate began her career as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, working on major construction projects for 15 years before moving into horticulture. After running a successful garden maintenance business, she trained in Planting Design at the London College of Garden Design, earning a Distinction and later a Certificate in Plantsmanship. Combining her expertise in construction, botany, and design, Kate now runs her own Planting Design Studio. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and enjoys growing edibles on her allotment.

The sponsors

Kennedys’ Independent Property Agents, are excited to be sponsoring a balcony garden, to show how important an outside space is for any home-owner regardless of size or location. Dennett’s are a local boat builders with many years of experience who have just built their first ever houseboat.

Garden legacy

Elements of the garden will be donated - details to follow