Chelsea Flower Show 2025: 23 Must-See Gardens

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is returning this Tuesday, heralding the beginning of the British summer. After an exceptionally vibrant spring, horticulturists may be anxious that their pristine plants might have peaked by showtime. However, these skilled growers are adept at adapting, likely employing multiple backup plans to ensure their displays are spectacular.

This year, the number of large show gardens has decreased to six. The emphasis on creating gardens with a lasting legacy means many will be relocated and repurposed after the show concludes. This trend underscores an evolution in garden design that, while adding cost, contributes to meaningful projects. Project Giving Back is funding or co-funding four of the six charity-driven large show gardens, as well as several entries across other categories. As their involvement is set to conclude next year, the RHS will likely be strategizing for future collaborations.

Social media has granted us sneak previews of the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing designers’ nursery visits, workshop creations, and the assembly of gardens on-site. This buildup adds to the palpable excitement of entering the event space, where visitors can witness innovative designs, engage in friendly debates about their favorites, and ponder the medal prospects of each garden. While there are no strict limits on awards, securing a coveted gold medal is essential to compete for Best Show Garden. Regardless of the judges’ decisions, attendees’ choice awards, voted on by the public, remain highly sought after. Below is a rundown of this year’s standout gardens.

Show Gardens

Hospice UK: Garden of Compassion

by Tom Hoblyn
This garden draws inspiration from the Olive Houses in Mallorca and embodies a deep connection with nature through its design. The layout features ‘rooms’ divided by stunning dry stone walls and incorporates communal and private areas. Sculptural benches and serene water features enhance the ambiance, while a selected planting palette offers soft silvers, olives, blues, burnt oranges, and warm yellows. Following the show, the garden will find its new home at St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.

The Glasshouse Garden

by Jo Thompson
This year’s large garden, designed for The Glasshouse charity, centers around a translucent elliptical pavilion, symbolizing the charity’s mission to support women in prisons through horticulture. The garden will feature a narrow stream that connects various areas, culminating in a reflective pool. Elements of deep reds and muted pinks inspire a theme of “strong beauty,” with an abundance of roses accentuating the design. After the event, the garden will be moved to a women’s facility in southern England.

Cha No Niwa: Japanese Tea Garden

by Kazukuki Ishihara
Renowned for captivating displays, Ishihara’s Japanese-themed garden revolves around the concepts of communication and harmony, influenced by traditional Japanese arts. The classic design features layered areas of raked gravel and trees typical of the Japanese landscape, such as maples and irises. With a track record of success, another gold medal for Ishihara would certainly spark celebrations.

The Hospitalfield Arts Garden

by Nigel Dunnett
Known for his ecological approach, Dunnett’s garden pays homage to the sand dune landscape of Hospitalfield Arts. This abstract representation focuses on dune topography and resilient native plants. Central to the design is an artist’s studio surrounded by coastal-themed vegetation. The success of this garden lies in the thoughtful fabrication and scale of its stylized sand dunes, which will be relocated to Ladyloan Primary School in Arbroath.

The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success

by Joe Perkins
Veteran designer Joe Perkins connects the garden’s themes of pioneering plants and optimism with the potential of youth. The design features intricately printed glass panels representing seed dispersal and incorporates self-seeding plants beneath towering pines. After the show, the garden will be adapted for use by Uxbridge College students involved in the King’s Trust program.

The Avanade Intelligent Garden

by Tom Massey and Je Ahn
This duo consistently delivers impressive Chelsea gardens. This year, their urban forest garden integrates technology, featuring sensors to monitor tree health through an app. The garden promotes sustainability and showcases a stylish pavilion constructed from trees afflicted by ash dieback.

Small Show Gardens

Previously known as sanctuary or artisan gardens, these small show gardens number ten this year, offering diverse themes.

The Pathway Garden

by Allon Hoskin and Robert Beaudin of Modular Garden Design
This garden showcases Pathway’s commitment to aiding homeless individuals through interconnected yet open spaces made from recycled materials. It features a tranquil water element amid shaded plantings. Following the show, the Pathway Garden will be relocated to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Boodle Raindance Garden

by Catherine MacDonald
Making her second consecutive appearance, MacDonald’s garden emphasizes the interplay of water and stone, incorporating a domed pavilion that channels rainwater into a circular feature. The serene color scheme aligns with the vibrant water elements, creating a relaxing space.

London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden

by Dave Green
This tranquil woodland garden is designed for the residents of the Royal Hospital, featuring bespoke elements made from recycled materials. The aim is to create a communal area for reflection and connection among the residents.

Addleshaw Goddard Freedom to Flourish Garden

by Carey Garden Design Studio
The Careys, who transitioned from teaching and illustration to garden design, focus on promoting mental well-being through a nature-centered garden inspired by North Norfolk’s landscape. It features natural materials and habitats for wildlife, encouraging a slower pace of life.

British Red Cross Here for Humanity Garden

by John Warland and Tom Bannister
Inspired by the founder of the Red Cross, this unique alpine-style garden features large stone planters indicative of alpine displays. It serves as a tribute to volunteers who support those in crisis and will be relocated to Maudsley Hospital.

Killik & Co ‘Save for a Rainy Day Garden’

by Baz Grainger
This ambitious garden features abundant water elements addressing flooding challenges while emphasizing water conservation. The family-friendly design incorporates resilient tree species.

Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden

by Manoj Malde
This poignant garden reflects the advancements in HIV treatment over the last four decades. Artistic elements pay homage to lost lives, while a gazebo promotes peaceful contemplation and dialogue.

Garden of the Future

by Matthew Butler and Josh Parker
This forward-thinking garden envisions a climate-resilient future, featuring a rammed-earth structure and diverse crops designed to withstand varying weather patterns.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden

by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall
This semi-wooded garden aims to transform perceptions of individuals with Down’s syndrome, utilizing contrasting planting areas that encourage reflection and understanding. Post-show, it will be transported to Palacerigg Country Park.

Children with Cancer UK ‘A Place to Be …’

by Tom Clarke and Ros Coutts-Harwood
This youthful garden features a bright and inviting design for children recovering from illness, allowing them a space to be themselves. It will find a home at Raines Retreat in North Yorkshire.

All About Plants Gardens

Supported by Project Giving Back, four gardens in the floral pavilion celebrate plants over hard landscaping.

Seawilding

by Ryan McMahon
This garden aims to raise awareness for marine conservation, showcasing seagrass, our sole flowering plant in ocean waters, through thoughtful design inspired by coastal landscapes.

The Wildlife Trusts’ British Rainforest Garden

by Zoe Claymore
This unique garden serves as a homage to Britain’s former rainforest habitats, combining sensory experiences with enchanting design elements reminiscent of Arthurian legends.

Balcony Gardens

This category features five imaginative balcony gardens.

A Space to Read Balcony Garden, sponsored by Viking

by Freddie Strickland and Ben Gifford
This inviting balcony integrates natural wood elements into a relaxing reading area, featuring shelves for planters and books.

Fettercairn Wilderness Retreat

by Ssh Scapes, Sonia Kamel, Sally Giles, and Helier Bowling
This collaborative balcony garden brings the essence of the Cairngorms into a high-rise space, designed for urban professionals seeking a slice of nature.

Container Gardens

This category highlights the potential of small spaces, with five container gardens featured this year.

MS Amlin Peace of Mind Garden

by Hamzah-Adam Desai
Desai’s garden utilizes a color therapy concept, creating a dynamic color wheel effect with varied textures and plant forms for an impactful viewing experience.

Komorebi Garden

by Masa Taniguchi
Inspired by the Japanese concept of light filtering through trees, this tranquil garden offers visitors a contemplative space amidst a canopy of greenery.

RHS Exhibits

RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden

by Monty Don
This unique garden welcomes canine companions on press day, featuring shaded areas for relaxation alongside vibrant flower displays. It’s set to be a favorite during the show.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place from May 20-24.