The Avanade Intelligent Garden by Studio Weave

In times of climate change, urban trees are becoming increasingly important – they cool and purify the air, provide shade, reduce the risk of flooding and promote biodiversity. However, they are also greatly suffering from the consequences of the climate crisis. In the United Kingdom, for example, almost half of all newly planted urban trees die within ten years. Up to 30 % die in the first year. This is an issue that has sparked a response: for the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, Studio Weave has joined forces with landscape architect Tom Massey and furniture designer Sebastian Cox to create the Avanade Intelligent Garden. This experimental urban garden combines landscaping, architecture, and craftsmanship, and uses artificial intelligence to help urban trees live longer. 

There is a small building in the green space. It is made from mycelium and local ash wood. © Daniel Herendi 

The research project consists of a green space featuring forest garden-inspired planting, as well as a small retreat for gardeners. The prefabricated structure is made up of four parts, constructed from local ash wood and mycelium. Only ash wood that had to be felled due to ash dieback was used. This wood comes from Sebastian Cox's forest. The woven ash wood elements are made from scraps that would otherwise have been thrown away. The mycelium also comes from Cox's workshop in Kent, where he cultivates it from agricultural waste produced during his work. These two natural materials determine the design of the exterior and interior. 

A small courtyard, known as the Mushroom Salon, showcases the development of fruiting bodies on mycelium networks. © Daniel Herendi 

The interior of the small building contains a kitchenette, various seating options, and a table, and it serves as a relaxation area for gardeners. A round skylight in the green roof provides natural light. Corrugated shutters allow additional light and fresh air into the interior. It is also where the technology that will help to care for and maintain urban trees is located. Sensors installed in the garden area monitor the health of the trees. Artificial intelligence analyses the collected data. With the help of digital tools, patterns and problems can be identified early on, enabling future care requirements to be predicted for gardeners. 

The interior provides a view of the technology that will help care for urban trees. © Daniel Herendi 

As the Chelsea Flower Show only permits temporary installations, the project – which won a gold medal and the Best Construction Award – has relocated to Manchester's Mayfield Park. Here, research continues to improve the survival rates of urban trees. Interested parties can also communicate with the monitored trees and view their current status on the project website.