Always glamorous and quintessentially British, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show looks set to be the most fabulous yet. Here is what you need to see. www.rhs.org.uk
World-renowned and as stylish as ever, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns to London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea from 19 until 23 May. Celebrating the pinnacle of gardening and floristry since its inception in 1913; Royalty, celebrities and over 150,000 people from across the globe will flock to the historic grounds to marvel at the finest horticultural artistry. Enjoying a Pimm’s and a little people watching along the way. If you’ve got your tickets, here is everything you need to see and do while there.
Gather Garden Design Inspiration
Whether you are looking to revamp a chic balcony or have tired acres to enliven – head to the show early to take in the splendour of Chelsea’s Show Gardens at a leisurely pace. Soak up some the finest examples of garden design with a stroll around Main Avenue and Royal Hospital Way. Trend-setting landscaping, surprising plant combinations, and sculptures to swoon over will be par of the course. Last year, Kazuyuki Ishihara’s elegant Japanese Tea Garden won Best Show Garden. Guessing who will take the crown this year is all part of the fun.
Enjoy Floral Masterpieces
As any seasoned show-goer knows, no visit to Chelsea would be complete without a photograph in front of the RHS floral letters installation. And when you have posed to perfection? Witness the jaw-dropping botanical art displays dotted throughout. There will be leading florists vying for the coveted title of Florist of the Year in the Great Pavilion. And don’t forget to take a tipple around Sloane Square, King’s Road, and Sloane Street afterwards to enjoy the fabulous free floral art exhibition, Chelsea in Bloom. This year’s theme is Out of this World and will celebrate the 100th birthday of David Attenborough.
Gardens for Good Causes
Another area Chelsea always comes up trumps is in bringing current affairs into public conversation through plants. This year will highlight a whole host of worthy causes, such as The RHS & The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill and championed by King Charles III and foundation ambassador, Sir David Beckham, exploring plants and all the ways they enrich our lives and industries. Guests can also marvel at The Eden Project’s Bring Me Sunshine Garden – designed to empower young people with skills and pathways into green industries, along with showstoppers from Parkinson’s UK, Lady Garden Foundation and many more.
Botanical Banqueting
Along with copious amounts of glamorous greenery, you will find an exquisite selection of fine dining options at the show. There will be sun-drenched Champagne, naturally, and mouthwatering stands to suit every taste. But when you really want to indulge, book in at The Dorchester, The Ranelagh, or The Sloane, who will all be serving curated menus in elegant settings at the show. This year’s culinary journey is led by two influential chefs; Jeremy Chan (the chef behind London’s two Michelin-star eatery, Ikoyi) and Jose Pizarro, who has been hailed as the ‘Godfather of Spanish cuisine.’
Talk to the Experts
Tips from plant experts can turn the most bumbling fingers green – and whether you are obsessed with orchids or are in love with lithops, you are sure to find an expert to engage with. Famous faces like Monty Don and Sophie Rayworth are expected, but it is in Chelsea’s Great Pavillion – often regarded as the most prestigious tent in horticulture – where you will find the best growers and nurseries keen to pass on their expertise. Coo over stunning varieties new to market – and if you are going to the show on 23 May, be sure to stick around for the famous plant Sell Off, which takes place from 4pm.
Give a Gnome a Home
Another excitement is the fact that the gnome ban will be joyously lifted at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, and visitors can go about spotting a merry band of garden friends hiding in shrubs and structures throughout the show. All individually decorated by household names including Sir Brian May, Dame Mary Berry and Cate Blanchett (the King is even rumoured to be involved!) the floral fun culminates in a grand charity auction to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Rethink Every Space
Finally, another area the show is set to excel this year is in the All About Plants and Balcony and Container categories. With a focus on showing how even the smallest spaces can assist the conservation of local wildlife, last year Ryan McMahon’s seagrass-centred Seawilding garden took gold. For 2026, wildlife watchers are eagerly awaiting Melanie Hick’s Nocturnal Garden designed on behalf of The Bat Conservation Trust, and the bohemian boldness of The Seasalt Painted Garden, inspired by The St Ives School of artists and designed by Lynn James. Both look like winners in the making.
