Royals, celebrities, and household names are enjoying an exclusive sneak peek at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, where traditional British gardens share the spotlight with an unexpected guest: the garden gnome. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has lifted its long-standing ban on gnomes for only the second time in the show's history. Stars including actress Cate Blanchett and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May have decorated whimsical gnome figures, which will be auctioned to support the RHS's school gardening campaign.
Curious Garden and Royal Involvement
The RHS and King's Foundation Curious Garden, designed with input from the King, Sir David Beckham, and Alan Titchmarsh, aims to ignite public interest in gardening. This central exhibit features an oak building resembling a museum of curiosities and seven raised beds inspired by Sir David's iconic number 7 shirt. The garden includes delphiniums, one of the King's favourite flowers, and roses named after the three champions. It avoids man-made materials like concrete.
Eco-Friendly and Community Gardens
Other gardens highlight sustainability and community. The Flourish in the City garden, by law firm Addleshaw Goddard, draws inspiration from London's hidden green spaces and rivers, using recycled oyster shells from restaurants. The Eden Project Bring Me Sunshine garden celebrates the Eden Project's 25th anniversary, featuring mussel shell panels and cockle shell by-products, with coastal plants like sea kale and samphire. The Woodland Trust's display focuses on saving ancient woodlands, while the Campaign to Protect Rural England showcases urban fringe 'edgelands'.
Health and Charity Gardens
A garden for people with Parkinson's will relocate to the John Radcliffe Hospital, and another reimagines female anatomy to discuss gynaecological health. The Trussell Trust's Together Garden highlights community power and will move to Strabane Foodbank in Northern Ireland. The Killik and Co A Seed in Time garden celebrates traditional wetland crafts and climate change adaptation, while Asthma and Lung UK's woodland-edge garden serves as a restorative breathing space.
RHS director general Clare Matterson said, 'With so much uncertainty in the world, we've never needed the joy of gardening so much,' promising a show that inspires everyone to grow. She added, 'And for a final sparkle of even more gardening joy, keep a look out for our gnomes.' The event has sold out before opening to the public for the first time since before the pandemic.
