A Forest of Dean company was involved in a world first at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week.

The Killik & Co 'Save for a Rainy Day Garden' won gold for a Small Show Garden.

The bulk of the structure was printed by Longhope-based Innocrete3D and transported to Chelsea to be assembled on site where the BBC filmed it being printed live at the show.

Spokesman Neill Ricketts said: "It's the first time a 3D printing structure has ever been done at Chelsea. The important news is that this garden has won a gold medal and it's been featured on the BBC and it's a local company which has been well received by all the people that make the decisions."

The garden was designed by Baz Grainger of Surrey-based Landform Consultants. This innovative garden envisions a UK garden 25 years into the future, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, such as increased droughts and flooding.

The garden's key features include:

• Climate-resilient planting: The garden showcases 'future trees' like Zelkova serrata and Pinus mugo 'Mughus', chosen for their ability to withstand drought, flooding, and rising temperatures.
• Rainwater management: Inspired by architectural rainscaping techniques, the design includes a 3D-printed pergola with cantilevered troughs that capture rainwater, directing it to a water feature that overflows into a designated flood zone during heavy rainfall. A steel water tank on the rear boundary wall collects rainwater run-off, and permeable paths channel water strategically.
• Innovative construction: The garden's walls are constructed from 3D-printed materials, reducing waste and CO₂ emissions, and eliminating the need for traditional foundations.
• Design aesthetics: The layout divides the space into a naturalistic wild side and a designed area with a water feature and a horseshoe-shaped flagstone path, creating a balance between functionality and beauty.

The garden has garnered attention from various media outlets:

• Gardens Illustrated: Highlighted the garden's futuristic approach and its blend of naturalistic and designed elements.
• House & Garden: Praised the garden's innovative rainwater capturing system and its selection of plants suited for a warmer climate.
• RHS official site: Provides detailed information about the garden's features and its focus on climate resilience.

Additionally, the garden has been featured in various publications discussing the broader themes and trends of the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, emphasising sustainability and future-proofing in garden design.

This garden exemplifies how thoughtful design and innovative techniques can create beautiful, functional spaces that address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

For more information on Innocrete3D, visit innocrete3d.com.