The world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns this May, and while you might not be strolling through the stunning gardens in person, we can still bring the magic to you! This year’s show promises a dazzling display of horticultural innovation and captivating designs, all perfect for inspiring your own outdoor haven.

This Year’s Trends

This year, sustainability and well-being take center stage. Look forward to virtual tours of gardens showcasing eco-friendly practices, water conservation techniques and designs that promote relaxation and connection with nature. Urban gardening enthusiasts will be thrilled by innovative solutions for maximizing small spaces – perfect for creating a blooming oasis even on a balcony!

From the Screen to Your Scheme:

The Chelsea Flower Show isn’t just about grand landscapes. Here are some highlights you can translate to your own garden, no matter the size:

• Global Influences: The show often features gardens inspired by diverse cultures and landscapes. Tune in and gather inspiration – a splash of vibrant tropical colours, the serene elegance of a Japanese garden or a touch of Mediterranean charm could be just what your space needs.
• Pollinator Paradises: Be inspired by gardens teeming with pollinator-friendly plants that attract butterflies, bees and other beneficial creatures. Take notes on the plant combinations and create your own miniature haven for these vital pollinators.
• Edible Delights: Explore the beauty and bounty of edible gardens showcased at the show. Even a small patio can accommodate herbs, salad greens or even compact fruit trees – get inspired to integrate some edible elements into your own space.

Catch the Show from Home:

Don’t miss the chance to experience the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024! Tune in to the BBC for exclusive coverage throughout the week. Immerse yourself in the vibrant displays, listen to talks from renowned designers, and gather inspiration for your own garden project – all from the comfort of your living room.

What Can We Expect to See at Chelsea this Year?

The Chelsea Flower Show 2024 promises a vibrant display with a significant portion of the show, including seven prestigious Show Gardens, sponsored by the charitable Project Giving Back. Visitors can expect a diverse range of themes explored in the gardens, from those tackling climate change with flood-resistant designs to celebrations of art and history. Even the young explorers are catered to with the RHS Feature Garden, a sunken den surrounded by water in the aptly named “No Adults Allowed” space.

For fans of the Netflix show, for the first time ever, ticket-holders will get a chance to peruse a Bridgerton garden, described as a “secretive and secluded space” inspired by the star of the third season, Penelope Featherington. What’s more, for 2024, RHS has introduced a new Green Garden Audit which all gardens in the Show and Sanctuary categories have been through, in order to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Chelsea Show Gardens Spotlight

The National Garden Scheme Garden: A Woodland Sanctuary for Wellbeing

This therapeutic garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith for the National Garden Scheme and sponsored by Project Giving Back, evokes the calming edge of a woodland. Destined for a hospital setting in southern England, it will feature drought-resistant plants perfect for the climate. The design incorporates several sustainable elements:

• A Carbon-Sequestering Retreat: A cosy hut crafted from UK-grown cleft oak serves as a haven for relaxation. This structure even functions as a carbon sink, with some of the timber sourced from Hertfordshire – the very location where Tom Stuart-Smith opens his own gardens for the National Garden Scheme.
• Locally Sourced Materials: The paving incorporates bricks made from local Hertfordshire clay, complemented by reclaimed York stone. This commitment to local materials reduces the garden’s environmental footprint.
• Water-Wise Design: Rainwater is collected from the timber hut’s roof, while all hard surfaces are designed to drain into the surrounding plant beds, promoting water conservation.

Bridge to 2030 Garden: A Journey of Hope

This thought-provoking garden, designed by Matthew Childs for the Terrence Higgins Trust and sponsored by Project Giving Back, takes inspiration from a flooded, yet rejuvenated quarry. The water and stone landscape symbolises a path towards a future free from HIV. A monolith slate stepping stone acts as a bridge, leading visitors towards the 2030 vision of zero new HIV transmissions. Sustainability is a key feature throughout the design:

• Second Life for Slate: By-products from slate roofing tiles are transformed into unique garden features, minimising waste.
• Permeable Ground Design: Walkways and surfaces are created with materials that allow water to naturally filter back into the ground, promoting water conservation.
• Traditional Techniques: The garden incorporates dry stone walling and Clawdd construction techniques from Wales, eliminating the need for harmful cement adhesives.
• Circular Economy: Precast concrete retaining walls will be repurposed for road construction projects after the show, extending their lifespan.
• Reclaimed and Recycled Materials: The timber boundary wall and patchwork metal retaining walls showcase the beauty of using salvaged and recycled materials.

The Octavia Hill Garden: A Celebration of Urban Wellbeing

This vibrant garden, designed by Ann-Marie Powell and the Blue Diamond team in collaboration with the National Trust, pays homage to social reformer Octavia Hill, a founder of the National Trust. Intended for an inner-city brownfield site, the Octavia Hill Garden transforms a neglected space into a plant-filled community oasis. The design prioritises physical, mental and social well-being, reflecting Octavia Hill’s belief in the importance of green spaces for urban populations.

• Reclaimed Materials: Permeable seating areas and paths are crafted from a combination of UK-sourced reclaimed brick, timber and stone salvaged from National Trust properties. This approach honours the past while minimising environmental impact.
• Wildlife Haven: Retaining walls for the observation platform utilise thatch, a traditional material reimagined for a contemporary setting. This not only adds a unique aesthetic touch but also provides a habitat for wildlife.

Bringing the Chelsea Magic Home:

Inspired by the show but unsure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Here at Polhill Garden Centre, we have everything you need to translate that Chelsea magic into your own outdoor space:

• Plants: From vibrant flowers and lush foliage to fruiting trees and aromatic herbs, we have a wide selection to help you create a personal green haven.
• Garden Features: Enhance your space with stylish furniture, water features and decorative elements inspired by the latest trends.
• Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable staff is passionate about gardens and happy to answer your questions and offer personalised advice to bring your vision to life.

Let the RHS Chelsea Flower Show spark your creativity! With us as your partner, you can cultivate your own blooming masterpiece and enjoy the beauty of nature all summer long, even if it’s just from your doorstep.