What is Best in Show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a huge event. It showcases incredible garden designs each year. Figuring out which garden wins the top prize can be confusing. The ‘Best in Show’ award is the most coveted. It represents the pinnacle of garden design excellence. This guide breaks down what ‘Best in Show’ means. We’ll look at past winners and what judges seek. We’re not botanists, but we love digging in the dirt and learning from the best. This is your friendly guide, born from hands-on experience and reliable horticultural advice.

Why the Best in Show Matters for Gardeners

Let’s talk inspiration. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a global stage for garden design. Winning ‘Best in Show’ isn’t just a trophy for the designer; it’s a beacon for home gardeners everywhere. These winning gardens often showcase new ideas. You might see new planting schemes or clever uses of materials. Water-wise gardening techniques are frequently featured, and sustainable practices are a major focus. These elements can translate directly to your own backyard. I learned this the hard way, trying to replicate elaborate designs without understanding the principles. Understanding what makes a garden award-winning helps us make better choices. We can adapt those ideas for our own spaces, big or small, helping us grow healthier plants and create more beautiful, functional gardens. The insights gained can save us time and resources. It’s about learning from the best to improve our own gardening journey.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) uses these shows to promote horticultural excellence and inspire everyone to garden. Winning gardens often feature plants that are becoming more popular or highlight plants suited to specific climates or conditions. This can guide our plant selections. For example, a garden designed for dry conditions might inspire drought-tolerant planting choices, which is crucial as our climate changes. The RHS also emphasizes sustainability. Winning gardens often showcase eco-friendly materials and water conservation. These are valuable lessons for any gardener concerned about environmental impact. The lessons from Chelsea can be applied even if you only have a small balcony garden; it’s about adapting the core principles to your own setting. The fact that you looked this up means your garden is in good hands.

Chelsea Garden Design: What to Observe vs. Seek Expert Help

While we can’t all visit the Chelsea Flower Show in person, understanding the design principles is key. Some aspects of garden design are observational, while others require professional input. Here’s a breakdown:

Worth observing in award-winning gardens:

• Plant Selection: Notice the plant palettes. Are they native to the region? Do they suit the light and soil conditions shown? Look for plants thriving in masses or used as focal points. Consider how they complement each other in texture and color.
• Layout and Flow: Observe how pathways guide visitors. See how seating areas are integrated. Does the design create a sense of mystery or openness? Pay attention to sightlines and how different garden ‘rooms’ connect.
• Material Choices: Examine the hardscaping materials. Are they natural, recycled, or locally sourced? Note how they are used for paths, walls, or structures. Consider their durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Water Features and Management: Look for new ways water is used or conserved. Are there rain gardens, water butts, or permeable surfaces? Observe how plants are grouped for efficient watering.
• Sustainability Features: Identify elements like green roofs, pollinator-friendly planting, or composting systems. Notice how the garden minimizes its environmental footprint.
• Sensory Elements: Pay attention to scent from flowers or foliage. Observe sound from water or wind chimes. Feel the textures of leaves and materials.

Worth calling an expert for:

• Complex Structural Elements: If a garden features large pergolas, retaining walls, or complex water features, consult a landscape architect or structural engineer. Their expertise ensures safety and longevity.
• Large-Scale Tree Work: For any significant pruning or removal of mature trees near structures, always hire an ISA-certified arborist. They have the knowledge to assess tree health and perform safe work. You can find one through the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Soil Testing for Contamination: If you suspect your soil might be contaminated (e.g., near old industrial sites or heavy traffic), get professional advice. Your local cooperative extension office can guide you on proper testing procedures. You can find your local office through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
• Pest or Disease Identification for Invasive Species: If you encounter a plant or pest you can’t identify and suspect it might be invasive, consult your extension office. They can help with identification and recommend control methods. Incorrect identification can lead to ineffective treatment or spread of invasives.
• Advanced Irrigation Systems: While simple water butts are DIY-friendly, complex irrigation or rainwater harvesting systems often require professional design and installation.

Translating Chelsea Inspiration to Your Garden

You don’t need a show garden to bring Chelsea’s magic home. Here’s how to adapt those award-winning ideas:

1. Analyze Your Space: Before anything else, observe your garden. What’s your sunlight like? Is it shady or sunny? What’s your soil type? Understanding your conditions is the first step to success. Think about your climate zone too. Many RHS gardens use plants suited to the UK’s temperate climate. You’ll need to adapt this for your specific US hardiness zone.
2. Choose a Design Element to Replicate: Pick one aspect from a Chelsea garden that excites you. Maybe it’s a specific plant combination. Perhaps it’s a sustainable material. It could even be a way of creating a small seating nook. Focus on one manageable change. Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming.
3. Research Plant Choices for Your Zone: If you’re inspired by a planting scheme, find plants that offer similar textures, colors, or forms but thrive in your area. The Clemson Cooperative Extension offers great resources for plant selection. Look for plants that are drought-tolerant or require minimal maintenance if that was a feature of the show garden.
4. Source Sustainable Materials: Look for reclaimed wood, recycled paving stones, or locally sourced aggregates. Many garden centers now offer eco-friendly options. Check architectural salvage yards for unique finds. This approach reduces environmental impact and can also add character.
5. Implement Water-Wise Practices: Install a rain barrel to collect water from your roof downspouts. Consider using mulch heavily to retain soil moisture. Choose drought-tolerant plants that require less supplemental watering. Permeable paving for patios or paths allows water to soak into the ground.
6. Create Defined Zones: Even in a small yard, you can create ‘rooms’ or zones. Use low hedges, decorative screens, or changes in paving to define areas. This adds depth and interest. A small seating area or a spot for a striking specimen plant can become a focal point.
7. Observe and Adapt: Once you’ve made changes, watch how they perform. Do the plants thrive? Is the seating area used? Gardening is an ongoing process. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on what you learn in your own garden.

Myths About Award-Winning Garden Designs

Myth: Award-winning gardens are only for the wealthy and require huge budgets.

Reality: While some show gardens are extravagant, many incorporate budget-friendly and sustainable ideas. Designers often use reclaimed materials or focus on clever planting arrangements that don’t require expensive features. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show celebrates creativity and horticultural skill, not just financial investment. Many gold medal winners focus on new planting and design concepts that can be adapted by any gardener.

Myth: You need a professional designer to create a beautiful garden.

Reality: Professional designers bring expertise, but inspiration from Chelsea can be translated by home gardeners. Focusing on principles like plant selection, layout, and sustainability can lead to stunning results. Resources from university extension offices, like University of Illinois Extension, offer guidance for DIYers.

Myth: Only exotic or rare plants win awards.

Reality: While unique plants can be featured, many award-winning gardens use common, reliable plants effectively. The skill lies in how they are combined for color, texture, and season-long interest. Native plants and hardy perennials are frequently showcased for their ecological benefits and resilience.

Myth: Chelsea gardens are designed to be low-maintenance.

Reality: Show gardens are often at their peak for a short period. They may require intensive care leading up to the show. However, many designers are increasingly incorporating low-maintenance principles and drought-tolerant plants, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable, easier-care gardens.

Myth: The ‘Best in Show’ garden always has the most flowers.

Reality: This isn’t always true. ‘Best in Show’ is awarded for overall design excellence. This includes structure, planting, innovation, and sustainability. A garden might win with a focus on foliage, hardscaping, or a unique concept, even with fewer traditional blooms. Some gardens might even be celebrated for their entirely green palettes, focusing on form and texture.

Observing Your Garden for Inspiration

To better understand your own garden and how to improve it, keep track of these elements. This helps you identify what works and what might need adjustment, much like a designer observing their creation.

• Plant Performance: Note which plants thrive and which struggle. Record their bloom times, growth habits, and any signs of stress or disease.
• Sunlight Patterns: Track how sunlight moves across your garden throughout the day and across seasons. This is crucial for plant placement.
• Soil Moisture Levels: Regularly check how long the soil stays wet after watering or rain. This informs your watering schedule and mulch needs.
• Pest and Beneficial Insect Activity: Observe the presence of pests and also the insects that help control them. Early detection is key.
• Drainage: After heavy rain, note any areas where water pools or drains slowly. Poor drainage can harm many plants.
• Wind Exposure: Identify areas that are particularly windy, which can stress plants and dry out soil faster.
• Material Durability: If you’ve used any hardscaping or decorative elements, observe how they hold up over time to weather and use.
• Your Own Usage: How do you actually use your garden spaces? Which areas get the most foot traffic? Where do you like to sit?

Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea Gardens

What criteria do judges use for Best in Show?

Judges look at the overall concept, execution, planting, and sustainability. They assess how well the garden fulfills its brief and its impact on the visitor. Innovation and originality are also key factors. The garden must be both beautiful and thoughtfully designed.

How are the Gold medals awarded?

Gold medals are the highest honor given to gardens in each category. They are awarded to gardens that are considered exceptional in all aspects of design and execution. There can be multiple Gold medal winners, but only one ‘Best in Show’.

Can I buy plants from the Chelsea show gardens?

Generally, no. The plants in show gardens are specifically curated for the event and are usually removed after the show. However, designers often list the plants used, so you can find them at nurseries or through online retailers. Some gardens might have associated plant sales or recommendations.

What is a ‘Forest Bathing’ garden?

A ‘Forest Bathing’ garden is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku. It aims to create a calming, restorative experience through immersion in nature. These gardens often feature trees, naturalistic planting, and tranquil seating areas designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

Are the materials used in Chelsea gardens always new?

Increasingly, no. There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability at Chelsea. Designers are encouraged to use reclaimed, recycled, or locally sourced materials. This reduces waste and environmental impact. Many gardens showcase new uses of old or repurposed items.

What does ‘horticultural merit’ mean in judging?

Horticultural merit refers to the quality and health of the plants used. It includes their suitability for the conditions, their condition (pest/disease-free), and how well they are planted and maintained. It signifies excellent plant knowledge and care.

Bringing Show-Stopping Ideas Home

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a fantastic source of inspiration. Seeing what wins ‘Best in Show’ gives us a glimpse into the future of garden design. Remember, you don’t need a show garden to create something beautiful. Focus on the principles: smart plant choices, sustainable materials, and thoughtful design. If you’re ever unsure about a specific plant, a large structural element, or potential soil issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your local cooperative extension office is a great resource for personalized advice. Happy gardening!

Sources

• RHS
• Clemson Extension