Chelsea Flower Show 2026: planting preparations
With just over 5 weeks to go until the Chelsea Flower Show 2026, preparations are well underway. We thought this was a perfect moment to share a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work shaping the planting for our show garden.
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Stepping into the nursery to select the final specimens
As the show draws closer, decision become increasingly final. In the last few weeks, Rob has made several visits to Provender Nurseries to meet with Richard McKenna, Matt James and Freddie Strickland to select the key structural trees and shrubs for the garden.
Choosing the right trees is a vital part of the design of the garden. They define the scale and atmosphere of the space: too small, and they risk feeling insignificant; too large, and they can dominate, overwhelming the overall composition and design. There is also the added element of the weather which directly affects how far along each plant is in leaf or blossom. Timing everything to reach its peak for a single week is both an art and a challenge.
Mapping out the garden
Another valuable aspect of these nursery visits is the opportunity to physically ‘map out’ the garden. Using bamboo canes and plant pots, trees and large shrubs are positioned to test their scale and presence within the space.
The garden also features some large boulders which were similarly represented to understand how they interact with the planting. While every garden begins as a drawing, translating those ideas into a full-scale layout allows us to explore proportion, spatial relationships and overall atmosphere in a much more tangible way.
Matt James and Freddie Strickland helping mark out and ‘walk’ the garden.
Refining the plant palette
Designing on paper is one thing, working with nature is another. Plants develop on their own timelines, and they are always quick to remind us of who is in control!
The Chelsea Flower Show presents a unique situation where every plant in the garden must look its absolute best for just one week. This can present many challenges as weather conditions and plant availability can quickly disrupt even the most carefully considered plans resulting in the final plant list remaining in flux until the plants are delivered ready for the build. Regular visits to the nursery allow Rob to monitor progress closely as plants emerge from winter dormancy, while ongoing conversations with Richard ensure the plants are carefully managed and their growth monitored constantly.
Plants growing on ready for the show garden
What happens next?
As move ever closer to the show, the plants are checked on regularly with contingency options kept in reserve should anything change. From there, focus shifts to logistics and the coordination of the safe delivery of each plant to site, ready for planting once the garden build is complete.
FAQs
1. How far in advance do you start preparing plants for the Chelsea Flower Show?
Preparation often begins months, and sometimes years, in advance. Trees and shrubs in particular are carefully grown, monitored and selected well ahead of time to ensure they reach their peak during the show week.
2. How do you ensure plants are at their best for Chelsea Flower Show?
Achieving peak condition for a single week requires close monitoring and careful control of growing conditions. Plants may be moved in and out of protected environments such as greenhouses to slow down or accelerate their development depending on the weather.
3. Where do Chelsea Flower Show designers source their plants?
Specialist nurseries play a vital role. Designers work closely with experienced growers to select high quality specimens and to track their progress in the lead up to the show.
4. Why do designers map out gardens in a nursery before the build?
Setting out a garden at full scale using plants and markers allows designers to test proportions, spacing and visual impact. It helps ensure that key elements such as trees, shrubs and features feel balanced within the space before installation on site.
5. What challenges are involved in plant selection for Chelsea Flower Show?
Weather, plant availability and timing all present challenges. Each plant must look its best at the same moment, so designers often prepare contingency options in case conditions affect growth or supply.