The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world’s most iconic gardening events. Held each spring in the beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, it has been delighting visitors since 1913, when it began as the Great Spring Show, and has since become a much-loved part of the British social calendar, featuring cutting-edge garden design, clever landscaping, and the very best blooms from leading nurseries. Chelsea continues to set the bar for horticultural excellence.
This year marked a special return for our Director, Ian, who last attended the show 14 years ago. Invited by the RHS for an exclusive preview before the gates opened to the public, Ian described the experience as nothing short of extraordinary. As always, the show was bursting with inspiration. From world-class garden design and stunning floral displays to unique finds. There really is something for every kind of gardener.
A particular standout for Ian was the Avanade Intelligent Garden by Tom Massey and Studio Weave, which beautifully blended cutting-edge technology with sustainable garden design, his personal pick for Best in Show.
The Highlights
There was no shortage of highlights this year. The Glasshouse Garden by Jo Thompson took home a Gold Medal for its moving tribute to women rebuilding their lives after prison, while Living Oceans, a powerful exhibit from South Africa, also earned Gold for its creative use of native coastal plants to spotlight marine conservation.
In the Great Pavilion, Philadelphus ‘Petite Perfume Pink’ was crowned Plant of the Year. A compact, fragrant shrub with soft pink blooms that charmed judges and visitors alike. Other standout plants included the drought-tolerant Chionanthus retusus (Chinese fringe tree), the bold Allium siculum (Sicilian honey garlic), and the strikingly deep tones of Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’. With climate change front of mind, the show also featured displays of hardy, climate-resilient crops like millet, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, a nod to the future of sustainable gardening.
Overall, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was fantastic. Congratulations to all involved! You can view our 2011 Chelsea Flower Show entry here.
