Following a competition inviting members to submit concepts for the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD) stand at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Rachael Austin’s winning design is a reflection of the creative process of garden design, from concept to completion.
The SGLD stand begins as a whimsical, imaginative space, setting the scene with white cut-out trees and hand-drawn elements inspired by the nursery rhyme ‘Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary’ reflects the limitless creativity of professional designers. Featuring construction elevations and interactive displays, the stand highlights the precision and technical skill required in garden creation, with the final stage of garden design to reveal a beautifully finished garden framed by a wooden arch, lights and lush planting.
Austin, co-founder of Austin Design Works specialises in private residential, heritage, and commercial projects in rural locations across the UK. Founded in 2016 by siblings Rachael Emous-Austin, a landscape architect and arboriculturalist, and Matthew Austin, a chartered architect, the practice creates low-carbon buildings and environmentally sensitive landscapes. With nearly 30 years of experience, Austin has worked on a wide range of projects, from intimate gardens to large estates and rooftop spaces. She collaborates with sustainable housing developers and like-minded architects, using her expertise to enhance biodiversity and create spaces for recreation and active travel.
Austin said: “As a designer I approached this as a fun and creative challenge, and imagined a fantastical space rather than a trade stand – a little world that would provoke discussion and intrigue, and hopefully encourage visitors to engage with the SGLD. This design has evolved alongside the SGLD as a wonderful collaboration, allowing us to put our stamp on the messaging, materials sourcing and impact on society. As a B Corp, this matters in all we do. As a team it has given us a chance to get stuck in to the making – all the trees, archway and structures are being made in our workshop, and the backdrop will feature one of our projects, which makes me very proud indeed.”
The stand will celebrate the diverse voices shaping the future of garden and landscape design, drawing on the skills of the illustrator Jenny Bowers, whose hand-drawn illustrations will feature on the side panels of the stand, including words and images describing the tools and work that garden and landscape designers do, as well as their diversity and the inclusivity of the profession.
A collaborative effort between SGLD members, partners and supporters, the stand will feature products and services from the Society’s own Affiliated Business Partners including planting, garden furniture, flooring and pots & planters. Other suppliers include Pots & Pithoi who will be supplying planters and Gaze Burvill who will supply the furniture.
Andrew Duff MSGLD, Chair of the SGLD, commented: “Garden and landscape design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and enriching for those who experience them. Our stand at RHS Chelsea Flower 2025 will highlight the expertise and creativity of our members, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform outdoor spaces in meaningful ways. We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talent within the SGLD and inspire visitors with the power of great design.”
