Judging at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026
This month I had the pleasure of attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show judging the incredible trade stands and small gardens.
It’s such a privilege to be asked by the Royal Horticultural Society to take on the role of Panel Leader. The presentation standard across the show this year was extremely impressive with exhibitors creating the most incredible trade stands.
I was also incredibly proud to collaborate with The Peony Girl on the design and installation of her beautiful stand at Chelsea. It was a wonderful opportunity to help bring her vision to life and create a space that reflected her distinctive artistic style. The Peony Girl offers original artwork, fine art prints, and luxurious silk scarves, combining the romance of the English garden with the elegance and refinement of Oriental influences. The result was a stand that felt both timeless and captivating, and it was a pleasure to be part of the journey. https://www.thepeonygirl.com/
Here are some of my favourite gardens from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show ;
🌺 Lovehoney presents: Aphrodite’s Hothouse
An exhibit celebrating personal pleasure and sexual freedom — conceived as the ultimate pleasure garden, inviting visitors to wander through a beautiful orchid-filled “Tunnel of Love”
💗 Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden
A powerful, multi-layered garden raising awareness of the five gynaecological cancers and encouraging vital conversations that could save lives.
🌸 Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey
Inspired by gardeners living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, this joyful sanctuary beautifully supports and celebrates every stage of the journey.
👑 The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden
A celebration of the diversity of plants and the many ways they enrich our lives, communities, and industries.
🪷 Tokonoma Garden – Sanumaya no Niwa
A nostalgic Japanese courtyard garden designed to inspire reflection, connection, and appreciation of traditional beauty.
🌷 The Tate Britain Garden
An engaging and sustainable landscape presenting a fresh vision of how art, nature, and community can come together.
🌻 The Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space Garden
A tranquil woodland-edge garden offering a calm and restorative space inspired by the experiences of people living with lung conditions.
🌼 Trussell’s Together Garden
A moving garden inspired by connection, reflection, and the power of togetherness — highlighting the journey of support through food banks and the collective effort to end hunger in the UK.
Such an inspiring celebration of creativity, storytelling, and horticultural excellence. For more information please see the Royal Horticulture Society’s website https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events
All photos are copyright of VMC
