We followed the coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month with real enthusiasm, eager to see which styles would take centre stage. This year’s themes felt especially inspiring; forward‑thinking, imaginative, and refreshingly accessible. You don’t need a large garden to recreate the spirit of a Chelsea show garden.
With thoughtful planting and considered design, it’s entirely possible to capture the essence of an RHS Chelsea display at home.
A few ideas stood out in particular this year: a strong emphasis on drought‑tolerant planting, prairie‑style borders, wildlife‑friendly spaces and the broader idea of future‑proofing our gardens for changing conditions.
Inspiring Styles
Prairie style – Natural and fresh with that ‘homegrown’ vibe. A prairie style garden is great for attracting those all-important pollinators and satisfies our urge as humans to be closer to nature and the simple life. A garden that evolves, prairie style planting has taken off globally over the last few years with the master of this style, Dutch designer, Piet Oudolf leading the way with his design for the regeneration of the New York High Line . Outside the US, it is particularly popular in Australia (see Ralph Bristow Garden Design as a great example), Scandinavia and here in the UK due to its drought resistant nature.
Wildlife Friendly – A wildlife‑friendly, eco‑conscious garden thrives when you work with nature rather than against it. By choosing sustainable landscaping materials and selecting plants that belong in your local ecosystem, you can create a beautiful, low‑maintenance space that naturally attracts birds, beneficial insects, and small mammals. Your garden becomes not just a place to enjoy, but a vibrant habitat that supports biodiversity right on your doorstep.
Resilient – As our climate shifts, choosing plants that can withstand both drought and periods of intense rainfall is becoming essential. The Met Office projects that by 2050, London could experience a climate similar to Barcelona; hotter, drier summers and heavier winter downpours. This means the way we plant has to evolve. The trees we choose must work harder for us, delivering real environmental benefits.
Drought tolerant – With climate projections from the Met Office indicating that “hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the southeast of the UK, and temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, with the heat being most intense in summer,” many gardens across the UK are now navigating the challenges posed by reduced rainfall and increased heat. The implementation of hosepipe bans in various parts of the UK further underscores the evolving needs of our green spaces.
Multistem trees – (Two or more stems growing from one root). These are the secret weapon of garden design. Heavily featured, as expected, in the show gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (check out The Tate Britain Garden, The Killik & Co ‘A Seed in Time’ Garden and The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden to name but a few) they provide instant impact and that “lived in look”.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.