Finding Stillness at the RHS Malvern
From Festivals to Flowers
Last week, I visited the RHS Spring Show at Malvern. It’s official: my husband and I have officially traded loud music festivals for flower shows—and we couldn’t be happier about it.
However, when we first arrived, I was met with something I didn’t expect. Instead of the “laid-back” gardening vibe I had pictured, I found a sea of people and stalls. It felt overwhelming and fast-paced—the exact opposite of the nature connection I was craving.
We headed straight for the famous Show Gardens. While these are incredible feats of design (often high-budget installations meant to showcase cutting-edge trends), they can feel a bit "look but don't touch," as they are usually roped off from the public.
A Garden That Opened Its Arms
Everything changed when we stumbled upon “Pressed in Time: Nature’s Memory,” designed by Lora Peneva.
Unlike the other exhibits, this garden had its “wild, flowery arms” flung wide open, actually welcoming people inside. The design was rooted in mindfulness, inviting visitors to reconnect with old crafts like flower pressing and the memories nature evokes.
In the middle stood a giant flower press. We were invited to:
Pick a cut flower.
Observe its unique colour, shape, and scent.
Secure it to the press with paper tape and a personal message.
The act was transformative. Simply holding a petal and focusing on the smell of the pollen transported me away from my busy thoughts. Writing my husband’s name on that tape reminded me of glimmers—those tiny moments of joy—we share in this ever-changing world. It was a powerful reminder that nature is always ready to ground us, even through a single tiny flower.
The "Green" Reset: From the Garden to the Classroom
That grounding moment shifted my entire day. After leaving that garden, I felt “recharged” and ready to dive into the rest of the show. But the lesson didn’t stay at Malvern; I took it to work with me this week.
I was coaching a teenager who was in a state of high distress—full “fight or flight” mode. She wanted to flee school, and her teachers were struggling to reach her through the noise of her anxiety.
I used the "Nature Reset" technique I had felt at the show:
I guided her through a story that transported her to a tropical paradise. We focused on the imaginary sound of the waves and the earthy textures under her feet. The effect was almost instant. By engaging her senses in a "natural" world, her nervous system calmed down, allowing her to speak rationally with her teachers again.
Create Your Own "Calm Bubble"
Nature has an incredible power over our physiology, even when we are just imagining it. Research shows that even looking at an image of nature or out of a window can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Give it a go: If you feel overwhelmed, close your eyes and visualize a “safe” nature space. Focus on one specific detail—the texture of a leaf or the sound of water.
Want a guided version? If you would like to be professionally guided through creating your own Calm Bubble, you can access our specialised tool in the academy via this link. It is a “power tool” you or your family members can use anytime to access immediate calm.
Lora Peneva’s show garden will be donated to a local community space. It will continue to serve as a sanctuary for those needing to reconnect.
Want to get back into nature with your family? A great way to start is with our Canal & River Trust Family Wellbeing Trails and we have just launched a new route in Brent and also Tees Barrage: Access the Family Wellbeing Trails Here.
Remember, you’re only ever one deep breath and a 'nature thought' away from calm.