The Bridgerton Garden

As a first-time designer at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Holly Johnston is keen to underline that the garden is for everyone who’s ever questioned their place: "This one is for the wallflowers – the garden is designed to be a space for anyone who has been made to feel they don’t quite belong. My garden offers a space to retreat to safety, to house your darkest fears, to recognise the good and bad within, to show up without your mask. And ultimately, to step into the light.”

Inspired by Penelope Featherington, a wallflower-like character from Netflix and Shondaland’s Bridgerton, this sanctuary garden tells the visceral story of a woman’s journey as she harnesses her inner resolve and confidence. The space depicts Penelope’s story as she moves from an overlooked character to someone who defiantly embraces their true self.

The garden’s initial focus is a moongate which leads to an ornate water feature and sunken seating area in the heart of the garden. A shaded space down one half of the garden alludes to themes of mystery, turmoil and defiance; layers of groundcover, ferns and ivy are intended to represent a woven network of secrets. In contrast, the other half of the garden graduates to a brighter palette of sophisticated colours. This ‘full bloom’ effect is symbolic of Penelope's embracing of her true self and coming into the light.

A curving path culminates at the back of the garden where an inscribed sculptural monolith symbolises change. As the return journey guides past an armillary sphere and through brighter planting – a nod to Penelope’s growing confidence – the visitor returns through the moongate and looks to the future.

There is an informal mix of climbers, shrubs, perennials and grasses designed to reflect a sense of ease. Planting is generally calm and muted, apart from specific areas that use a limited colour palette. The planting reflects feelings of secrecy, growth and desire. A ring of field elms, Ulmus minor var. suberosa, offers secrecy and enclosure around the seating area, while clipped spirals mix moments of formality with more whimsical planting.

At its simplest, this garden is a beautiful space that offers privacy and respite; at its most complex, it is a metaphor for women defiantly and courageously finding their voice – a rite of passage many can identify with. The moongate can be seen as a portal into that person’s personal journey – and the ensuing garden shows the remarkable and personal transformative power of growth.  

Plant Lists 

Trees, Hedges and Topiary

Perennials

Shrubs