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St Godwald's Retreat

An RHS Malvern Spring Festival Show Garden 2025

Designed and built by F.B & Sons for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre

Why St Godwald?

We selected St. Godwald as the inspiration for our show garden due to his unique historical connection to Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and Primrose Hospice. St. Godwald, a 6th-century Breton monk, is honored at St. Godwald's Church in Finstall, Bromsgrove—the only church in England dedicated to him. His legacy is also intertwined with St. Dunstan, who served as Bishop of Worcester from 957 to 959 before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. St. Dunstan is believed to have founded the Chapel of St. Gudwal in Worcester during the 950s, suggesting a direct connection between these two saints. This historical link highlights a shared commitment to faith, healing, and community—values that remain deeply relevant today.

Standing stones of Carnac in france, in late summer surrounded by golden grass and wildflowers

In designing our show garden, we have also drawn inspiration from the standing stones characteristic of the Breton landscape in France, reflecting the environment St. Godwald would have known. These ancient stone formations symbolize endurance and sanctuary, qualities that resonate with the mission of Primrose Hospice. His legacy of community, healing, and sanctuary aligns perfectly with the hospice's mission to support individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses, making this garden not only a tribute to St. Godwald but also a space of reflection and peace for all.

Exploring St Godwald’s Retreat

Planting – "A mix of native species, wildflowers, and historic medicinal plants, chosen for resilience, scent, and symbolism."

Planting & Hedging

A mix of native species, wildflowers, historic medicinal plants, foliage-rich perennials, and native hedging chosen for resilience, scent, and symbolism

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Sustainable Gravel Alternative – "Eco-friendly gravel made from a by-product of the Welsh fishing industry, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials."

Whelk Shell Aggregate

A sustainable alternative to traditional gravel, made from a by-product of the Welsh fishing industry.

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Stone Portal – "A striking stone portal framing the Reflection Lodge and wind telephone, symbolizing transition and the journey beyond."

Moon Arch

A stone portal framing the Reflection lodge housing the wind telephone, symbolising transition and the journey beyond.

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Fencing – "Traditional, rough-cut fencing made from UK-grown timber, blending naturally with the landscape."

Split Chestnut Estate Fencing

Traditional, rough-cut fencing made from UK-grown timber.

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Local Stone – "Locally sourced stone from North East Worcestershire, reducing environmental impact while honoring the region’s heritage."

Reclaimed Blue Lias Paving

Local to North East Worcestershire, reducing environmental impact while honouring the region’s heritage.

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Wind Telephone – "A secluded space for private reflection, inspired by the Japanese concept of connecting with lost loved ones through conversation."

Telephone of the Wind

A space for private reflection, inspired by the Japanese concept, allowing people to ‘speak’ to those they have lost.

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Mindful Labyrinth – "A labyrinth pathway woven with scented herbs, inspired by ancient landscapes and designed for mindfulness and reflection."

Standing Stones & Labyrinth

Inspired by ancient landscapes, with a mindful labyrinth woven with scented herbs.

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Memory Tree – "A sculptural memory tree, temporarily relocated from Primrose Hospice, holding messages, names, and tributes to loved ones."

Memory Tree

Temporarily relocated from Primrose Hospice, holding messages, names, and tributes to loved ones.

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Reflection Lodge – "A hand-crafted wattle and daub structure, finished with lime-hemp render and natural ochre pigment, serving as a space for contemplation."

The Reflection Lodge

A hand-crafted wattle and daub structure, finished with lime-hemp render and ochre pigment.

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