Our post-pandemic gardens are being asked to work harder for us than ever. They are being tasked to not only grow plants, but also to provide and outdoor extension to our homes where we can relax, exercise, entertain and eat. But with these extensive demands, are we losing the very essence of what makes a beautiful garden in the process? Kate Gould’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show Sanctuary Garden, ‘Out of the Shadows’ is a lesson in how brilliant garden design can seamlessly incorporate modern lifestyle demands into a beautiful and inspirational garden space to be used all year round. 

Out of the Shadows’ is a small, contemporary garden which packs a punch in terms of the lifestyle it delivers, in a perfectly tranquil and harmonious way. The garden features a state-of-the-art Jacuzzi® Swim Spa for exercising and relaxation, a fire pit with seating, exercise bars, and a yoga/mediation space all elegantly situated amongst dramatic and exotic, tropical-style planting. The idea of a functional piece of gym / relaxation equipment such as a large Swim Spa in a garden might seem at odds with a show garden aesthetic, but Kate has recessed it within the gardens’ decking and strategically placed perforated brickwork to let light and shadow break across the water. The combination of beautiful design and clever functionality extends across the rest of the garden too, with a social space elegantly delineated through carefully placed rock seats and a central fire pit, shower and exercise areas. Privacy is created through the use of low hedging, bamboo and decorative brickwork. 

Coming to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals to her name, not to mention three ‘Best in Class’ awards, means Kate Gould has an enviable track record not only at this show but across the board as a highly rated and in-demand garden designer. Her hands-on approach means she can create stunning concept designs in one moment and get her hands in the soil installing a series of specially sourced plants in the next. Whether it be traditional, contemporary, urban or rural, Kate is able to make the most out of any garden and transform it into a true green haven. For our collaboration she took inspiration from recent times and the need more than ever for calm, tranquil spaces that give us room to breathe, relax and rejuvenate.

After winning gold at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, Jessica-Jane Applegate has gone on to establish herself as one of the best swimmers of her generation. Multiple World Championship wins and a host of medals at international level demonstrates her pedigree in competition, most recently with double bronze at Tokyo 2020. As someone who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, she is open about all aspects of mental health and emotional wellbeing; elements of life that have been brought into sharp focus for all of us in recent years.

The Jacuzzi J-16 Poweractive® is a 16-foot swim spa ideal for mixed use, from swim training and aquatic fitness to family fun and relaxation. Its Jacuzzi® PowerPro® AX jets deliver a smooth, steady current that can be adjusted to suit all swimming abilities, further supported by our SteadySwim buoyancy jets to keep you properly centred and elevated in the centre of the current for the perfect swim experience. Fully rounding out the J-16’s offering, a specially adapted floor allows for water-based fitness and aerobics, followed with ergonomic seats that provide dedicated hydromassage through our PowerPro® jets, just like any standalone Jacuzzi® hot tub.