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Riverhills partners with ‘The Good Life Gardener’ Ade Sellars for spa garden transformation

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

We're excited to announce an exciting collaboration with renowned gardener and presenter, Ade Sellars, to design a stunning spa garden as part of our highly anticipated day spa redevelopment which will be reopening in the spring.

The partnership with Sellars, known as "The Good Life Gardener," brings an innovative and holistic approach to the garden's design, seamlessly blending luxury with nature to create a unique wellness experience. Sellars, an award-winning gardening expert with a wealth of experience from RHS events and national publications, is bringing his signature creativity to this project, which is central to our mission of redefining wellness.

"It's incredibly exciting to be part of such an extensive project. Riverhills's owner, Dave Courteen has given me the creative freedom to come up with something truly unique that will reflect both the ethos of Riverhills and its beautiful surroundings it is set in. We want this to be truly special, that will be a welcome addition to the club, whilst encouraging its guests to embrace the outdoors. Plants, wildlife and being outside have great positive health benefits for the mind, body and soul, so it makes sense that the club should embark on such a 'wellbeing' project."

- Ade Sellars

Sellars envisions the garden as an extension of the spa itself, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the restorative power of nature. The design is grounded in Riverhills' ethos of creating spaces that foster health and relaxation. The garden will have fragrant and colourful planting schemes, immersive pathways, and serene seating areas to promote mindfulness and rejuvenation.

Phase 1 of the garden, will include:

Stunning Water Feature: 'The Specular', a locally sourced, mirror-like water feature, will serve as a tranquil focal point in the garden. Positioned at the heart of the space, its stunning design and captivating water flow will enchant visitors, drawing them in before they continue to their desired destination.
Dynamic Pathways and Seating Areas: Stone paths flanked by lush borders will guide guests through the space, encouraging exploration and tranquillity.
“Reflection” Zone: A secluded area at the bottom of the garden, featuring tall plants, semi-circular seating, and a central fire pit or planter. This space will become the patio area for a future orangery in Phase 2.
Seasonal Planting: Vibrant perennials, spring bulbs, and summer blooms like tulips, lavender, hydrangeas, and roses will provide year-round visual and sensory appeal.
Wildlife-Friendly Features: Stacked wood bug hotels and pollinator-attracting plants will highlight the club's commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
Adaptable Design: Circular rose beds, movable planters, and flexible planting schemes ensure that the garden can evolve with the spa's future phases.

Riverhills owner Dave Courteen is enthusiastic about the garden's potential.

“This redevelopment is about more than facilities, it's about creating spaces that truly enhance wellbeing,” says Courteen. “Ade's vision for the garden perfectly complements our customer goals, offering guests an outdoor retreat that embodies relaxation and rejuvenation.”

- Dave Courteen