Gardening News
A new show garden designed to spark curiosity, welcome new growers and celebrate the power of plants for people and the planet is heading to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2026.
Created through a partnership between the RHS and The King’s Foundation, the “Curious Garden” will invite visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore how gardening – at any scale – can boost wellbeing, support biodiversity and build a stronger connection with nature.
The garden will be designed by horticulturist, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill, marking her first appearance as a garden designer at Chelsea. Her approach will focus on discovery, accessibility and practical inspiration, showing that even small growing spaces – from balconies and containers to windowsills – can become thriving habitats.
Well-known gardening advocate Alan Titchmarsh and Foundation Ambassador Sir David Beckham will both support the project, helping encourage more people to try growing plants, experiment with new varieties and enjoy the simple satisfaction of nurturing life outdoors. The message is clear: gardening isn’t just for experts – it’s for anyone willing to get stuck in and learn by doing.
The King’s Foundation, established in 1990, promotes sustainable communities and practical education rooted in traditional skills and environmental responsibility. Gardening training is a core part of its work, with courses delivered at Dumfries House in Scotland that help learners build hands-on knowledge and confidence with the natural world.
That spirit of learning and sharing skills will be built directly into the Chelsea garden. Apprentices and trainees from both organisations will help bring the space to life, alongside students and graduates showcasing traditional craft skills such as woodwork and natural materials – highlighting how garden spaces can be created with care, longevity and low environmental impact in mind.
The Curious Garden will be packed with ideas visitors can take home: planting for pollinators, growing a wider mix of species, propagating plants, and designing green spaces that support birds, insects and soil health. The aim is not perfection, but participation – encouraging more people to grow more plants and create more pockets of nature where they live.
Organisers say the garden will underline a hopeful truth: every extra plant matters. From first-time growers to seasoned horticulturists, gardeners play a real role in tackling biodiversity loss and climate pressure – one patch, pot or planter at a time.
After the show, the garden will be relocated to a permanent urban setting focused on young adults, helping extend its biodiversity and wellbeing benefits beyond Chelsea and into everyday city life. Further details of the final location and full design will be revealed in 2026.