Flowers and Culture: RHS Chelsea Flower Show May 21 - 25 features gardens to address contemporary and environmental challenges

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is considered the world's most renowned flower and gardening exhibition, held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. Organized by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), it is a significant event in the British social calendar and attracts visitors from around the globe.  It is always a delight to witness the amazing talent of both seasoned garden designers and emerging talents, 

Running from May 21 to 25, this year's event no doubt will captivate the senses and imaginations of both connoisseurs and amateurs alike, featuring the finest in flowers and plants. 

Charity "Project Giving Back" is sponsoring St James's Church's garden at Chelsea Flower Show in support of The Wren Project and help the Church raise £20m to rejuvenate the historic, Wren-designed church, and particularly to restore its Piccadilly garden.  The ‘Imagine the World to be Different’-themed garden designed by Robert Myers at Chelsea will be a reflective space where nature takes centre stage. Calm, contemplative and uplifting, it will offer a refuge for humans and wildlife.  
Image from St James's Church website.

This year, the featured gardens will address several pressing and contemporary issues in horticulture, including environmental challenges such as flooding and drought, and urban biodiversity. Themes of wellbeing and gut health will also be explored, with a focus on plants that benefit both internal and external microbiomes.

While there are eight main show gardens at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 15 of the gardens will be supported by Project Giving Back, an initiative which allows charitable organisations to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show. This raises the profile and platform of the charities, whilst ensuring the diversity of the show itself. 

Project Giving Back will support several large show gardens, along with some Sanctuary and All About Plants gardens, all emphasizing a strong legacy focus. These showpieces are designed to transform into teaching gardens and community spaces post-exhibition. One notable garden, themed "Imagine the World to be Different," supports the Wren Project of St James's Church in Piccadilly, London. This garden encourages visitors to cherish the earth and each other, highlighting the role of gardens as spaces for healing and contemplation while celebrating the rejuvenating qualities of urban green spaces.

A magnificent Magnolia tree graced the front court yard of St James's Church, Piccadilly, in early spring 2024.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

The visibility of St James's garden at the show aims to help raise £20 million for the restoration of their historic, Wren-designed church and its Piccadilly garden. Designed by Robert Myers, this Chelsea garden will form the basis of a restored, accessible space where approximately 300,000 people from all walks of life seek tranquility and inspiration annually. The Wren Project aims to enhance St James's environmental activities and social outreach, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, and those persecuted for their sexuality or identity.

Central to the garden design is the architecture of Wren’s church, featuring an arched window. A new structure designed by artist Ivan Morison will house the Caravan Drop-In and Counselling Service, eventually relocating to the restored Piccadilly garden along with plants from the show garden. Robert Myers draws inspiration from London’s pocket parks and historic churchyards like St James’s, which have endured wartime scars yet symbolize resilience and regeneration. The woodland-style planting focuses on textural foliage with splashes of color, incorporating wild plants like chickweed, speedwell, and vetch, known for their resilience and regenerative qualities.

St James's Church hopes its Chelsea garden will be a reflective space where nature takes centre stage. Calm, contemplative and uplifting, it will offer a refuge for humans and wildlife.

Chelsea shops and eateries celebrate Chelsea Flower Show
with their own displays during the floral exhibition.
 Photo by Lucia Carpio

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show infuses excitement and vibrancy into the Chelsea and Belgravia neighborhoods, where retailers, commercial properties and eateries create equally splendid displays to celebrate the premier flower exhibition, creating a festive atmosphere.

Chelsea in Bloom 2024’s theme is ‘Floral Feasts’, celebrating two of the things Chelsea is most famous for – botanical heritage and fabulous food, promising a feast for the eyes, with inspiration taken from culinary favourites and memorable foodie scenes and characters across film, literature, history and art.

The Duke of York Square in Chelsea.  Photo by Lucia Carpio.

The elegant residential development of Chelsea Barracks, across the street from the Chelsea Flower Show, will simultaneously host a Spring Fair from May 22 to 25. The event will transform the beautiful garden squares into a lively hub featuring shopping, talks, seminars, and excellent food and drink. At the heart of the Spring Fair, an artisan market will offer a series of talks and clinics in partnership with House & Garden, with editors engaging in conversations with leading figures from the worlds of design and horticulture.  On May 24, the garden clinic will feature House & Garden’s garden editor Clare Foster discussing horticultural topics with RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winners Jo Thompson and Tom Massey. 

Sophisticated and elegant gardens at the Chelsea Barracks residential development. Photo by Lucia Carpio.

The Fair will also showcase stalls by independent makers and brands such as Sharland England, The Oxton Liqueur Company, and Gaze Burvill, providing stylish shopping opportunities. Networking and garden talks will take place at The Campaner, while the Louise Rowe talk will be held at The Garrison Chapel. Tickets must be booked in advance.