QVC's Reflective Retreat show garden at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2025, with the glass water feature, the waterfall and layered planting

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Show garden · Birmingham, West Midlands

QVC's Reflective Retreat

A rainwater garden built around a waterfall, where the water that falls on the garden is the point of it

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Made with

  • QVCSponsor of the show garden

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The making of a reflective retreat

Central to the design is a serene waterfall cascading into a peaceful pool, surrounded by plants that thrive in flood-prone areas. The soothing sound of water creates a calming, meditative atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. A striking glass water feature adds a modern, sculptural touch, reflecting both the natural and designed elements of the garden, while shifting in appearance as the light changes throughout the day.

Naturalistic waterfall falling over granite into a still pool, framed by ferns, primulas and an Acer
Photo Rudoni Photography

Harnessing rainwater in the garden

This rainwater garden is not only visually stunning but also offers a practical solution for managing excess water, demonstrating how we can create resilient landscapes in response to changing climates. The garden encourages visitors to consider how simple changes in their own spaces can help conserve water and reduce their environmental impact.

Layered planting for ground that floods, with astilbe, ferns and dark-leaved heuchera beside the water
Photo Rudoni Photography

A tranquil garden design

The overall design fosters a sense of tranquillity and connection with nature, making it the perfect spot for quiet contemplation. The Reflective Retreat demonstrates that thoughtful design can play a crucial role in shaping a more environmentally friendly future, one garden at a time. By showcasing the beauty and practicality of sustainable landscaping, this space inspires us to adopt more conscious practices in our own homes.

Sculptural glass water feature made of overlapping glass leaves, standing among grasses and flowering perennials
Photo Rudoni Photography

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  • “Kitti is a rare designer in that she truly listens to her client.”

    She took the time to understand our family's requirements and translated them into an original garden that went beyond what we had imagined. The finished garden gives us enjoyment throughout the seasons while remaining easy to maintain. Her creativity, enthusiasm and ability to recognise the potential in a space made a real difference to the final result.

  • “Kitti guided us through a complex project with far more to it than we initially thought.”

    Her design was inspired and refreshing, and she helped us find landscapers we could trust to bring it to life. Kitti remained involved throughout the project, offering advice and practical suggestions whenever they were needed. The finished garden exceeded our expectations, and we would happily recommend her to anyone considering a garden project.

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    Kitti managed a complex build with restricted site access and delivered a beautiful garden for us. The planting is still young, but we can't wait to see how it changes through the seasons and grows over the years.

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