Everything you need to know about RHS Chelsea Flower Show …
The world’s most prestigious gardening event celebraties innovative design and sets horticultural trends, drawing an A-list crowd. Irish President Catherine Connolly stopped by as part of her historic three-day trip to the UK. Dame Judi Dench, Joan Collins and Dominic West were among those rubbing shoulders with royalty as Charles and Camilla were in attendance, as were designers and entrepreneurs such as Jade Holland Cooper and Penelope Chilvers.
Unsurprisingly, the dress code leaned towards florals and pastels (Barbour’s collaboration with Farm Rio was spotted on several guests). Kate Moss, who has a country garden in the Cotswolds, also popped in to see her namesake rose developed by Norfolk-based Peter Beales, which debuted at the show. The Kate Moss rose is a lemon-to-cream bloom that she has already added to her garden with “old roses that I grow … there are lots of peonies, lily of the valley, clematis,” she said.
The coveted Gold Medal for Best Show Garden was awarded to Sarah Eberle for her “On the Edge” garden which features Gaia, a giant, sleeping woman carved out of a fallen tree. The garden’s symbolic import was to shine a light on the overlooked countryside on the edges of towns and cities – places often undervalued yet full of potential. The judges praised the design for its emotional impact, craftsmanship and planting – cow parsley was much in evidence. Eberle is one of only three women to have won best in show at Chelsea as solo designers in its 100-year history.
There was a noticeable increase in arty gardens such as the Clore Garden at Tate Britain, which featured Barbara Hepworth’s Bicentric Form 1949, while the Saatchi Gallery Garden brought together contemporary art by kinetic artist Lucy Gregory with planting by garden designer Naomi Ferrett-Cohen. Guests can venture down the garden path into a surreal environment of interactive, tree-like sculptures that trigger spirals inspired by Matisse’s The Dance.
As for planting trends, meadowscaping, rewilding and naturalist designs creating low-effort, high-impact displays to attract wildlife were in abundance. Water features including cascading fountains and bird baths were other notable additions. A simple barrel container with tap was part of the The Whittard Garden, with a winding water feature in the Lady Garden Foundation’s “Silent No More” scheme that aims to spark conversation about the five types of gynaecological cancer.
Vibrant colours abound as expected, as at The Seasalt “Painted Garden” and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill with help from Alan Titchmarsh, David Beckham and King Charles. It was a riot of colour with a central small oak cabin, working beehive and blue delphiniums, said to be Charles’ favourite flower.
If you’re looking for inspiration in garden furniture, take cues from the Alzheimer’s Society “Microbes & Mind” and Parkinson’s UK “A Garden For Every Journey” which featured curvaceous furniture that added softness to the landscape, reflected in planting and topiary too.
One of the most talked about aspects this year is the lifting of the ban on garden gnomes – a divisive subject. Brian May, Mary Berry and Cate Blanchett were among those who decorated mini gnomes in aid of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening (you can bid on these in an online auction until May 24). Director General of RHS Chelsea, Clare Matterson, explained the initiative: “We’ve never needed the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of simply sitting in a garden, more. We want people to be playful with their gardening, which is why we’re lifting the gnome ban for these celebrity gnomes, who will help us do even more to awaken a curiosity in gardening in school children. Gardening in schools increases resilience, builds confidence, encourages curiosity and gives access to nature – it’s a vital resource that every school should have access to.”
The show’s energy spills out across the whole of London when the city is at its most appealing. Boutiques are decorated with floral installations, especially around Mayfair and Sloane Square where there are special pop-ups and collaborations. If in Belgravia, have a look at Neill Strain’s boutique on West Halkin Street beside Louise Kennedy’s flagship store. He has recreated a bluebell wood inspired by his childhood memories.
If in South Kensington, drop into Number Sixteen Hotel where garden designer and author Sean A Pritchard has created a floral installation inspired by the hotel’s white stucco façade. I recommend his new book, Atmosfloric: Flower Colour in Home and Garden, which is bursting with ideas and practical tips. And for two weeks, Claridge’s X The Newt’s six-metre installation “A Farm in Mayfair” has transformed the hotel’s art deco lobby with the sounds, scents and atmosphere of the Somerset estate.
RHS Chelsea segues into further summer gardening and botanical events at home and abroad. Excitement is growing for Bord Bia Bloom 2026, celebrating its 20th year as Ireland’s favourite festival of flowers. I’m looking forward to Oisin Byrne’s “Cut Flowers” exhibition at SO Fine Art Editions in Powerscourt Centre, Dublin. Further afield, check out TUI deals to Madeira where Funchal’s annual Flower Festival transforms the city with blooms.
