The biggest event of the gardening calendar for the UK is almost here. This year’s edition of the Chelsea Flower Show, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, will be taking place from Tuesday 20 May to Saturday 24 May.
What is dubbed ‘The Greatest Show in Earth’ (or the ‘Great Spring Show‘) is an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to take inspiration from cutting-edge garden design, peruse the finest floral displays and browse a wonderful selection of retailers and exhibitors bringing their expertly curated wares to market.
The first Royal Horticultural Society Great Spring Show was held in 1862, at the RHS garden in Kensington. The Queen attended in 1953, the year of her coronation, and she was also a regular visitor prior to this date with her father, George VI. The show went on to increase in popularity throughout the second half of the 20th century, this has continued in recent decades. Today, the Chelsea Flower Show is attended by 157,000 visitors each year (a limitation is in place) and it is broadcast around the world.
Ten must-see exhibitors at this year’s show are:
Carrie Anne Funnell
Glass artist and sculptor Carrie Anne Funnell specialises in one-off commissions and is one of the show’s don’t-miss exhibitors. Her kiln-formed glass art is a world renowned, taking cues from nature’s free-flowing forms and colour palettes to create stunning outdoor and indoor structures.
Moments of Reflection
Sitting at the heart of the Floral Marquee in the show’s Pavilion, you’ll find Moments of Reflection, a RHS x UBS-sponsored installation, designed by up-and-comer Max Parker-Smith. Aiming to capture the grounding effect that walking in nature has on our wellbeing, this design uses modern and traditional materials from a diverse range of environments.
Barbados Horticultural Society
Regular show-goers will be familiar with the efforts of the Barbados Horticultural Society, who have exhibited at the Pavilion for over 30 years, earning their 22nd Gold Medal in 2024.
in-lite
Given that most gardens are designed to be viewed in sunny weather under cloudless blue skies, many will overlook garden lighting. in-lite have introduced a range of uber-stylish garden lighting opening the door to balmy evenings spent under the stars.
Nth Degree
Those who appreciate discerning interior and exterior design need look no further than Nth Degree, a provider of luxury outdoor furniture made from FSC-certified teak. Like all things Nth Degree, their stand at the show will deliver a carefully considered, immersive garden experience. Stylish, refined and effortlessly liveable, this is designed to an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the show.
Horatio’s Garden Charity
Horatio’s Garden is a national charity that creates and nurtures stunning gardens in NHS Spinal Injury centres. Providing a vital and welcome aid for people facing long stays in hospital, the charity uses renowned landscape designers to create year-round sanctuaries.
Awards categories
Flora – Gardens and floral exhibits
Hogg – Exhibits of trees
Knightian – Exhibits of vegetables, including herbs
Lindley – Exhibits of special educational or scientific interest
Grenfell – Exhibits of pictures, photographs, floral arrangements and floristry
Surreal Succulents
A large selection of succulents is presented at the Surreal Succulents stand. A former Gold Medal-winner at the show, this Cornwall-based nursery specialises in rare and unusual succulents and is known for developing beautiful hybrids, specifically adapted to the UK climate.
Caley Brothers
For those interested in mushrooms, Caley Bros., led by two sisters passionate about quality, sustainability and delicious mushrooms, has an exhibit titled ‘Cultivating Connections’, which explores the diverse world of fungi and the key role they play in ecosystems the world over.
Woodpecker Joinery
Woodpecker Joinery, produce cedar and Victorian-style greenhouses and cold-frames have been made in the UK since 1994.
Jeremy Hastings
Nothing puts the final touches on an expertly curated garden like a beautiful water feature, and Jeremy Hastings’ stand is well worth a visit for that reason. Handcrafted with Cornish slate, Hastings’ spherical water features deliver a sensory experience, with an eye-catching look that reflects the light and a peaceful, contemplative sound.
