Barefoot Bliss for journalists - care of Barefoot at RHS Tatton

Good news for journalists attending the press day at RHS Tatton this year - they got a treat for their feet.

Between 11am and 12 noon, on Tuesday, July 21, a reflexologist was on site at the ‘Lose the Shoes’ garden.

Lose the Shoes has been designed to reward and energise the senses, and is based on the spirit of Feng Shui.

Developed by luxury flooring company Barefoot, ‘Lose the Shoes’ provides a sensual experience that engages touch, sight, sound and smell with the five elements of Feng Shui; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - plus the sense of touch underfoot.

The garden features Barefoot’s Accupath, a foot massaging pebble walkway, surrounded by Barefoot Hot Rocks marble carpet.

These surfaces aim to encourage visitors to lose their shoes and walk barefoot along pathways, helping to increase circulation and stimulate body and mind.

The garden is designed by Bernie Quinn, with input from the chief executive and founder of Barefoot, Dawn Gibbins MBE. Dawn will be available between 10.30am and 12.30pm for interviews on 21 July.

Known as the ‘Barefoot entrepreneur,’ Dawn is the current SHE International Business Woman of the Year and a former Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year. At the garden, she’ll share her vision for a barefoot, happy Britain.

About ‘Lose The Shoes’

	Known as the ‘Barefoot entrepreneur,’ Dawn is the current SHE International Business Woman of the Year and a former Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year. At the garden, she’ll share her vision for a barefoot, happy Britain.

The vibrant colours symbolise fire, enhancing energy and passion. A curved seating area and raised bed are backed by a stainless steel screen offering reflection and light, while the sense of smell is rewarded with oregano.

Bernie Quinn, the designer of Lose The Shoes, said: “A curved pathway allows time to take in the strong colours and aromas of the garden. This leads to a curved seating area with a raised planting bed, backed by a stainless steel screen bringing reflection and light - with the vibrant orange of the rendered wall showing through a bird of paradise sculpture.

“The gentle cascading water feature balances the fire in the garden and brings with it the element of water to enhance wealth. It also creates a relaxing sound, with the movement of swathes of grass and bamboo adding further resonance.

“The plants, representing the element of wood, have been chosen for variety and contrast in texture, with an emphasis on vibrant colours and lush leaves considered to be auspicious.”

Barefoot’s Role

The garden gives Barefoot - home of Floor Couture - the chance to showcase its range of floor finishes that are designed to offer a therapeutic effect in gardens and are inspired by Feng Shui.

Barefoot – which has recently opened a new showroom in Bosley on the outskirts of Congleton in Cheshire - also provides floors for inside the home, based on seamless, clean resin technology.

RHS Show Tatton Park takes place in Knutsford on 22-26 July, with press day on 21 July. Lose the Shoes can be viewed at site number E41.