Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, comedian Bill Bailey, and presenter Dame Floella Benjamin were among the stars showcasing their decorated gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show, as celebrities and royals enjoyed a preview of this year's event.
Gnomes Return to Chelsea
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea has lifted its ban on gnomes for only the second time in history. Visitors can spot these ornaments in displays such as the RHS and King's Foundation Curious Garden, designed to spark curiosity about gardening.
The gnomes decorated by celebrities are being auctioned to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, helping children access gardening activities.
Celebrity Comments
Bill Bailey noted that gnomes have been "much maligned," adding that "the Romans had them as guardians of the dark, and to protect against malign spirits." Comedian Tom Allen joked about his gnome: "Mine's got a suit and tie on, which I don't think they normally wear. He doesn't have any eyes. So, it's about a dozing thing."
Gardener Alan Titchmarsh, whose gnome matched his blue suit, said the show does not take itself too seriously. "It takes gardening seriously, which more people should do – seriously, in that it's important, but it's all about fun and improving everybody's wellbeing," he remarked. He would ban "misery" from Chelsea, while Allen would ban leaf blowers.
Highlights of the Show
Clare Matterson, RHS director general, expressed delight with the King's Foundation Curious Garden, a centrepiece designed with input from King Charles, Sir David Beckham, and Titchmarsh. She said every penny from the gnome auction would support school gardening, helping children enjoy the benefits of gardening.
Sir Brian's gnome, "Billy Bad-Axe," complete with a guitar, had already attracted a bid of £650 by Monday morning. The auction runs until Sunday, May 24.
Other celebrities spotted included Dame Joanna Lumley, Alexandra Burke, Chris Robshaw, Grayson Perry, Lady Amelia Windsor, Piers Morgan, Spencer Matthews, Vogue Williams, and Will Young.
Notable Gardens
This year's show features a garden championing urban "edgelands" from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, designed by Sarah Eberle. It centres on a huge Gaia – Mother Nature – figure carved from a fallen tree, with willow hair forming a dry stone wall.
The Tate Britain garden, inspired by the gallery's art, includes a Barbara Hepworth sculpture and will relocate to Tate Britain's Millbank site after Chelsea.
The Parkinson's UK garden offers an accessible path through brightly coloured planting, with a "hand rill" serving as both a water feature and handrail. The Killik and Co A Seed In Time garden celebrates traditional wetland crafts and addresses climate change. Asthma and Lung UK's woodland-edge garden provides a restorative "breathing space" for those with lung conditions.
Celebrities including Nick Knowles, Piers Morgan, Jim Carter, and Grayson Perry toured the show on Monday, ahead of royal visits and public opening from Tuesday.
