Chelsea Flower Show shake‑ups

The Chelsea Flower Show, an annual event organized by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) since 1913, is set to break new ground in 2026 with the introduction of its first-ever ‘sex garden,’ sponsored by the adult retailer Lovehoney. This bold thematic addition aims to explore sensuality through garden design, incorporating suggestive plant shapes and intimate spaces, marking a significant departure from the show’s traditionally family-friendly focus. While the RHS has not yet detailed specific guidelines for the exhibit, organizers have hinted at a tasteful approach to ensure it aligns with the event’s prestigious reputation, though it has already sparked debate among longtime attendees about the direction of the show. (depress.co.uk) Another notable development for the 2026 show is the relocation of the Plant Heritage Missing Collector Garden to a permanent home at Chester Zoo following the event. This garden, designed to highlight rare and endangered plant species, underscores the RHS’s commitment to conservation and education, themes central to the show for decades. Chester Zoo, which already hosts extensive botanical collections alongside its animal exhibits, plans to integrate the garden into its existing 128-acre site, providing a long-term space for public engagement and research into plant preservation. (thechesterblog.com) In addition to these headline-making changes, the show unveiled new compact varieties of Guernsey clematis, specifically bred for small-space gardening. These plants, developed over several years by horticulturists on the island of Guernsey, are tailored for urban gardeners with limited outdoor areas, such as balconies or patios, addressing a growing demand as more people take up gardening in densely populated areas. The varieties are noted for their vibrant blooms and adaptability, with the RHS anticipating strong interest from both amateur and professional gardeners at the 2026 event. (mirror.co.uk) The introduction of the ‘sex garden’ has prompted mixed responses from the gardening community and RHS members, with some praising the innovative push to attract younger audiences and others expressing concern over potential backlash or alienation of traditional visitors. The RHS, which reported over 168,000 attendees at the 2023 show, is likely to monitor public feedback closely as it finalizes plans, with a spokesperson indicating that further details on content moderation for the exhibit will be released closer to the event. Meanwhile, Lovehoney has committed to working collaboratively to ensure the garden remains educational and artistic in tone. (depress.co.uk) Looking ahead, the RHS aims to balance innovation with tradition at the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show, held annually at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. The relocation of the Plant Heritage garden to Chester Zoo will serve as a model for future partnerships with institutions to create lasting legacies from temporary exhibits, while the introduction of niche plants like the Guernsey clematis reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to modern gardening trends. Organizers are expected to release a full list of show gardens and themes in early 2025, providing clarity on how these new elements will fit into the broader event. (thechesterblog.com) (mirror.co.uk)