What’s new at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Health, wellbeing and the environment are the major themes of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year along with edibles, medicinal planting and gardens for wildlife and the community.
You’ll find natural planting in Horatio’s Garden, a wheelchair-accessible space, while The Royal Entomological Society Garden features biodiversity found on wasteland that is beneficial to insects, and Land of Healing: Korean Mountain Light illustrates how rewilding helps prevent native plants becoming extinct.
Restorative gardens take centre stage, too, illustrating how gardens and gardening are good for people as well as the environment. They explore the positive influence gardening has on our health and wellbeing, and there are also lots of great sustainable ideas.
Food buffs will find edibles in The Savills Garden, which demonstrates how to incorporate growing food, and the Hamptons Mediterranean Garden, which features a contemporary outdoor living space, has lots of ideas you can translate into urban and country gardens.
There are also several community gardens this year, such as Centre For Mental Health’s The Balance Garden and London Square Community Garden. Along with the Show Gardens, you’ll find diverse landscapes and wildlife-friendly planting in the Sanctuary Gardens and a celebration of British craftsmanship in The Boodles British Craft Garden.
The Balcony and Container Gardens and Houseplant Studios are expected to return this year after last year’s success. As for the Great Pavilion, new for 2023 is The Plant Fairs Road Show, featuring eight nurseries, including Fleur de Lys conservatory plant experts.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 23 to 27 May 2023. To book, visit rhs.org.uk. Good Housekeeping Holidays has a four-day spring gardens tour including tickets to Member’s Day at Chelsea on offer at goodhousekeeping.com/uk/chelsea