RHS Chelsea

On Friday, I had the absolute honour of going to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I attended the show for the RHS Young People’s Breakfast, representing the YPHA (Young People in Horticulture Association). This meant we were given speeches by leading young people in the industry, exclusive access onto the gardens and were able to discuss the gardens with the designers themselves. It was such a privilege to speak to the designers and those involved in the design and build process, as it really added a new dimension to the gardens, understanding the rationales and narratives behind each design. It was also fascinating to see which aspects and features the designers were particularly proud and excited about. 

Throughout the day, I kept an eye on what the overarching trends were this year. Whilst this year’s gardens were far more varied than they have been in previous years, there were certain patterns that arose. There was a clear focus on climate change and biodiversity, with many gardens showcasing climate-adapted plants, planting schemes, and planting/growing methods. Examples include Butler and Parker’s “Garden of The Future”, that used a black water disposal system to create biochar for more yielding crop production and Tom Massey and Je Ahn’s “Intelligent Avanade” garden that used technology to monitors the tree’s live health status, through monitors tapped into the tree’s trunk. Many gardens took a coastal theme, to demonstrate the type of planting that may be more commonplace in the UK’s climate in years to follow. 

All in all, it was a unforgettable experience. As my first experience of Chelsea, I’m not sure it can be beaten… until I am the one inviting people into my garden! It was great to meet other young people from within the industry, creating network links and friendships!