The Chelsea Flower Show has relaxed its infamous ban on gnomes for only the second time in its history, allowing celebrities to decorate gnomes for a charity auction. The event, held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, features show gardens including one with a Barbara Hepworth sculpture and another with a large Mother Nature carving.
Celebrity Gnomes for School Gardening
Stars such as Sir Brian May and Bill Bailey have painted gnomes to be auctioned off to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. Baroness Floella Benjamin also participated in the initiative, which aims to encourage children to engage with gardening.
Notable Gardens at the Show
This year's show includes the RHS and King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed to spark interest in horticulture. Other gardens address themes like urban edgelands and lung conditions. The RHS also announced the Hosta Red Ninja as the Plant of the Year for 2026.
The gnome auction is part of a broader effort to promote gardening among young people, with proceeds supporting educational programs. The Chelsea Flower Show opens to the public later this week, offering a range of displays and activities.
