The magic of gardens lies not just in their beauty but in the stories they tell, the moods they evoke, and the emotions they stir. Jo Thompson’s Glasshouse Garden, which captivated visitors at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show with its gold medal-winning charm, is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful planting and design. This garden offers a lush, romantic escape, inviting onlookers into a world of deep reds, soft pinks, and gentle golds—colors that feel both timeless and fresh.
Walking into this garden, it’s impossible not to be drawn in by the sumptuous layering of roses and perennials. The palette chosen by Jo Thompson isn’t just a random splash of colors but a carefully curated symphony that breathes life into every corner. Deep reds anchor the design with their passionate intensity, while soft pinks bring a whisper of gentleness and romance. Flecks of peach and gold dance among the blooms, adding warmth and sunlight even on overcast days. It’s a palette that reminds one of a delicate evening sky, where the last traces of daylight linger tenderly before nightfall.
What makes this garden stand out is its balance between art and nature. Jo Thompson’s approach reflects a profound respect for the natural growth cycles of plants combined with an artist’s eye for composition. The roses chosen aren’t just any roses—they are varieties celebrated for their form, scent, and ability to coexist harmoniously with perennials. The perennials, in turn, add texture and depth, their varied shapes and heights creating layers that encourage the eye to wander and discover.
This garden is a celebration of romanticism but with a modern sensibility. It feels classic without being old-fashioned, fresh without losing the charm of tradition. For gardeners or design lovers hoping to recreate a piece of this magic at home, understanding the plants Jo selected is key. Roses with rich, velvety petals provide the dramatic focal points. Their colors range from the richest burgundy to soft blush tones, inviting not just admiration but also a sensory experience as their fragrances drift on the breeze. Interspersed among these are perennials such as foxgloves and delphiniums, which offer height and elegance, swaying gently and softening the boldness of the roses with their airy grace.
To capture the warmth and subtle sparkle found in the garden’s golden touches, small accent plants like golden sedum or varieties of heuchera with golden foliage have been used. These plants catch the light in ways that mimic sunlight, making the garden glow even during the quieter hours of the day. The combination of such foliage alongside the flowers lends an almost ethereal quality, a reminder of how leaves and blooms together craft a living tapestry.
Jo Thompson’s expertise shines through not just in the choice of plants but in the thoughtful arrangement. Each section of the garden tells a story, yet they all flow seamlessly into one another. The path meanders gently, inviting visitors to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. This feeling of gentle discovery is a hallmark of the garden, where nothing feels forced or overly staged. Instead, it feels like stepping into a secret garden that has been lovingly tended over time.
One visitor shared how stepping into this garden transported her back to her childhood summers, spent in her grandmother’s rose garden. The scent, the colors, and even the way the light filtered through the leaves stirred memories of simpler times filled with wonder and joy. Another gardener found inspiration in the way the garden used space efficiently, proving that even smaller gardens can evoke grandeur and luxury without overwhelming the senses.
For those inspired by Jo Thompson’s glasshouse garden, there are lessons to take home beyond plant selection. Patience is paramount. Gardens of this nature require time to grow into their full glory. The layering technique means planting in stages, watching how each plant matures and adjusting care as seasons change. This patience is rewarded with a garden that feels alive, evolving beautifully through the months.
The soil beneath these plants is equally important. Jo Thompson emphasizes nourishing the earth to ensure plants thrive, advocating for organic compost and natural mulching techniques that retain moisture and enrich the ground. This approach reflects a sustainable mindset, where beauty and environmental care coexist harmoniously.
In a world where instant gratification often dominates, gardens like this remind us of the quiet power of slow growth and intentional design. They teach us to appreciate the subtle interplay of colors and textures, the way a garden can be both a personal sanctuary and a public delight.
Creating a similar sanctuary at home doesn’t require sprawling acreage. Even a modest balcony or a small backyard can benefit from inspired choices—selecting plants that resonate with personal memories, mixing textures thoughtfully, and paying attention to how sunlight moves through the space. The key is creating a garden that feels authentic and inviting, much like Jo Thompson’s masterpiece.
This garden also highlights the importance of flowers beyond mere decoration. They become symbols of emotion—passion, tenderness, nostalgia—woven into the fabric of daily life. When a visitor pauses to breathe in the scent of a rose or watches petals flutter in a gentle breeze, the garden’s magic becomes personal, unforgettable.
Jo Thompson’s gold medal-winning design is more than just an exhibition; it’s an invitation. It calls on all of us to reconnect with nature’s rhythms, to find beauty in detail, and to craft spaces where memories and dreams bloom alongside flowers. The Glasshouse Garden is a reminder that gardens, at their best, are living poems—rich in color, texture, and heart. And it shows that with careful planning and heartfelt care, we can bring that poetry into our own lives, one blossom at a time. 🌹🌿✨