Lithuanian landscape designer Ula Marija Bujauskaite's garden, inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of "forest bathing" or “shinrin-yoku,” won the prestigious gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in England. Award-winning “Muscular Dystrophy UK – Forest Bathing Garden”, Ula Maria’s debut entry at RHS Chelsea.

Ula Maria is a garden and landscape designer based in London, whose connection with nature comes from her childhood spent in her family’s countryside home in rural Lithuania. Surrounded by wildflower meadows, pine forests, and winding streams, Ula developed a deep appreciation for landscapes infused with ideas of time, memories, and connections.

RHS Chair of Show Garden Judges Liz Nicholson said: “This has been one of the toughest years to judge, with exemplary designs and much to enjoy in design detailing. There are some fantastic narratives and storytelling in the gardens. Ula’s design is a wonderful slice of forest edge brought to the heart of the RHS Chelsea showground. It is immersive, relaxing and calming. Its use of flint, a difficult material to work with, is notable, creating possibly the biggest insect habitat I’ve ever seen. Coupled with faultless planting to make an innovative, artistic, and precise garden, it is a clear winner.”

Ula is pictured receiving her award from RHS Director General Clare Matterson and Monty Don. Image: RHS/Oliver Dixon.

On receiving the "Best in Show" award, Maria said, “It’s incredible. I can’t believe it. It’s amazing. I’m so proud!”

The award-winning garden, created for the UK Muscular Dystrophy Charity, is a testament to the healing power of nature and its ability to improve mental well-being. A large random knapped flint wall has been chosen for its beautiful texture and form – reminiscent of muscle cells – which serves as a tool for explaining what Muscular Dystrophy is, and the devastating effect it can have on one’s muscles.

Muscular Dystrophy UK – Forest Bathing Garden. Designed by Ula Maria. Image: RHS / Neil Hepworth.

The planting is inspired by a birch grove, with more than 40 trees enveloping the garden and creating a forest-like atmosphere. The birch trees are under-planted with woodland edge style plants, varying from deep shade corners to more open, sunnier woodland glades. The majority of the plants have been selected for their foliage, creating a green tapestry, rich in texture, with an occasional burst of colour.

At the core of the garden is a central hub with sculptural flint walls, that provides a sheltered space for people to meet and share their experiences outside the clinical environment, mirroring the emotional and practical support that Muscular Dystrophy UK gives its community at a time of need.

Ula Marija's intention was to demonstrate how spending time in nature can positively impact the mental well-being of those dealing with degenerative muscle conditions. In direct consultation with patients, Ula Marija ensured that the garden catered to their needs. Many expressed difficulty accessing forests due to limited wheelchair accessibility, prompting her to design wide and easily navigable paths.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Best Show Garden Winner - Muscular Dystrophy UK Forest Bathing Garden, designed by Ula Maria. Image: RHS/Oliver Dixon.

Ula was previously awarded RHS Young Designer of the Year at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2017, which helped launch her career in garden design and start her own business, Ula Maria Studio. Her favourite gardens evoke an emotional response, whether a sense of comforting familiarity or an otherworldly atmosphere. She believes in creating gardens authentically and organically, where every detail is carefully considered and refined to its purest expression. She finds that the most effortless-looking spaces often result from a complex design process that seamlessly integrates the essence of the surroundings with the personal narrative of the garden's owner. 

Ula's educational background includes studying Fine Arts in Lithuania, which influenced her approach to composition, colour, and texture in her designs. After moving to England in 2008, she pursued studies in 3D Design and later earned BA(Hons) and MA degrees in Landscape Architecture from Birmingham City University. Before establishing her studio, Ula gained valuable experience working for various landscape architecture practices.