Whiskers & Wildflowers by Elisabeth Wright-McCalla for RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity that hosts world-famous shows such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year, at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, we were delighted to be part of the Balcony Garden Installations, which made a debut this year after being a popular feature at the Chelsea Flower Show. The gardens focus on making beautiful spaces within the confines of a typical-sized balcony with clever design and planting.
Award-winning designer Elisabeth Wright-McCalla has created a balcony garden with a playful twist - one designed especially for our feline friends. Aptly named Whiskers and Wildflowers, the garden is a serene haven for cats and their humans, inspired in part by Monty Don’s much-talked-about Dog Garden at Chelsea earlier this year. “Why should dogs have all the fun?” Elisabeth asks, and rightly so. Cats, after all, are far less likely to dig everything up!
Lush planting with cat-safe plants like echinacea and catnip, the space is both beautiful and functional. “Raised planters encourage cats to climb and weave through soft grasses,” she explains, “while small trees provide dappled shade and vertical interest. Packed with cat-safe, beneficial plants, the garden is a shared retreat that promotes calm, health, and curiosity - for paws and people alike.”
This feline paradise offers inspiration for fellow cat parents who perhaps don't have the luxury of a large or safely situated garden. Elisabeth's purposeful and artistic approach creates a magical haven on a small scale.
Plants Beneficial to Cats Found in the Garden
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ A catmint variety that many cats find stimulating. They may roll in it, sniff it, or chew it for mild euphoria and natural enrichment.
Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass) Cats often chew on soft ornamental grasses like this for digestion or stimulation. Its blue-green foliage is gentle and appealing.
Sesleria autumnalis (Autumn Moor Grass) A fine-textured, clump-forming grass that cats may gently nibble. It adds sensory variety and texture to the garden.
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire A colourful sedge with soft arching blades that cats may enjoy interacting with. It offers visual interest and tactile enrichment.
Read the full cat-safe plant list on Elisabeth's website: https://www.elisabethwrightmccalla.co.uk/rhshampton
We were thrilled to be part of this wonderful garden as we had the chance to show off our brand new Bobbin Scratching Post - launching very soon! It was particularly exciting to see our sculptural scratching post in situ, and what better place than this charming feline paradise?
You could also spot our Koi Carp Water Bowl, Cheshire Cat and Turkey Catnip toy, Cirrus Pink Cat Cloud® Bed, Kathryn Hughes’ Catland book. And of course, who could forget - the cutout of Percy?
What do you think about this cat friendly garden, would your kitty enjoy basking in a space like this? Let us know in the comments below.
Share:
How to Introduce a Collar to a Cat That Has Never Worn One Before
Cheshire & Wain's Summer Top Meowdel Results!