RHS Chelsea is back – here's everything you need to know
Chelsea Flower Show 2023 returns this spring for another spectacular gardening event. A lot of preparation goes into the world's most prestigious flower show each year and RHS Chelsea 2023 will be teeming with gardening inspiration, whether you're looking to create a wildlife haven on your doorstep, ideas to garden more sustainably, or simple tips on how to brighten up your balcony.
There are several key themes during this year's RHS Chelsea: edible plants are a popular choice for designers this year and there's a clear shift towards drought-resistant plants. Naturalistic planting also returns as a horticultural theme, and there will be a series of gardens and installations in honour of the royal family, including tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II and displays commemorating the new monarch, King Charles III.
When is Chelsea Flower Show 2023?
Sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is returning to SW3 over five days, from 23rd – 27th May 2023, for the world-famous show. Limited tickets are on sale and once again the prestigious horticultural event promises to be a jam-packed week with amazing garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping.
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Chelsea Flower Show 2023 tickets
Tickets for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 is available to buy now.
Two days (23rd and 24th May) are reserved for RHS Members only. If you get an RHS membership, tickets are cheaper, plus there are lots of other benefits, including being able to buy guests tickets to future RHS Flower Shows at member rates, unlimited expert gardening advice, and free entry to over 200 partner gardens.
Chelsea Flower Show Dates: 2023
• Monday 22nd May: Press Day (restricted to members of the press, celebrities and the Royal Family)
• Tuesday 23rd May: RHS members only, 8am – 8pm
• Wednesday 24th May: RHS members only, 8am – 8pm
• Thursday 25th May: RHS members and non-members, 8am – 8pm
• Friday 26th May: RHS members and non-members, 8am – 8pm, Chelsea Late: 5.30pm – 10pm
• Saturday 27th May: RHS members and non-members, 8am – 5.30pm (typically on the last day at 4pm, the plant sell-off begins).
Where is the Chelsea Flower Show held?
The Chelsea Flower Show is held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners who are retired soldiers of the British Army. Some 300 veterans live in the retirement and nursing home on site.
Address: Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, SW3 4SL.
Travelling to the Chelsea Flower Show
Public transport is the best way to get to the Chelsea Flower Show, and there are many options depending on where you are travelling from. In all instances, visit the Transport for London website to plan your journey and rhs.org.uk for more travel information.
Buses: Bus numbers 11, 137, 211, 360, 170, 44 and 452 stop closest to the showground. Alternatively, bus numbers 19, 22, 319 and C1 stop at Sloane Square.
Shuttle Bus: You can use the shuttle bus service from either Battersea Park or Victoria Station to RHS Chelsea.
Tube: Sloane Square tube station (District and Circle Lines) is just a 10-minute walk from the Chelsea Flower Show.
Train: The closest train station is London Victoria. Visit the National Rail website for information on rail services.
Cycling: You'll find cycle racks at Burton's Court Car Park, which is opposite the London Gate entrance (postcode SW3 4SR).
River: You can arrive by river with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Cadogan Pier or Battersea Power Station. From the pier it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Chelsea Flower Show.
Car: If you are driving to RHS Chelsea, public parking is available in Battersea Park but this must be pre-booked with your tickets. Please note, it is within the ULEZ Charging Zone. Battersea Park is approximately a 20-minute walk from the show. If you are parking at Battersea Park, use the postcode SW11 4BY for your Sat Nav. This will take you straight to the Rosary Gate entrance.
Show Gardens
A Show Garden demonstrates the best of horticulture and excellence in garden design and landscaping. These are the largest gardens at the show and it's where garden designers create excitement with lots of wow factor, and make a lasting impact. For the second year, seven of this year's Show Gardens are being supported by grant-giving charity, Project Giving Back.
The confirmed Show Gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2023 are:
Centre for Mental Health’s The Balance Garden designed by Jonathan Davies and Steve Williams (Wild City Studio)
The RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes
The Centrepoint Garden designed by Cleve West
The Fauna & Flora Garden designed by Jilayne Rickards
Land of Healing: Korean Mountain Light designed by Jihae Hwang
Myeloma UK - A Life Worth Living Garden designed by Chris Beardshaw
The Nurture Landscapes Garden designed by Sarah Price
Horatio's Garden designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg
The Royal Entomological Society Garden designed by Tom Massey
Samaritans' Listening Garden designed by Darren Hawkes
The Savills Garden designed by Mark Gregory
Memoria & GreenAcres Transcendence Garden designed by Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson
Sanctuary Gardens
Sanctuary Gardens combine contemporary and traditional visions of the home garden, all whilst harnessing the healing power and serenity of nature. These inspirational gardens are located in a prominent position on Royal Hospital Way or Ranelagh Gardens.
The confirmed Sanctuary Gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2023 are:
The Boodles British Craft Garden designed by Thomas Hoblyn
Hamptons Mediterranean Garden designed by Filippo Dester
Cavernoma On My Mind designed by Taina Suonio and Anne Hamilton
London Square Community Garden designed by James Smith
The National Brain Appeal's Rare Space designed by Charlie Hawkes
The RSPCA Garden designed by Martyn Wilson
The Biophilic Garden Otsu - Hanare designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara
Balcony and Container Gardens
Balcony and Container Gardens dispel the myth that gardening is only for those with large outdoor areas or big budgets. It showcases how small spaces can be turned into a garden sanctuary, benefitting mental wellbeing, wildlife and the environment.
The confirmed Balcony Gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2023 are:
The Restorative Balcony Garden designed by Christina Cobb
The St George 'Alight Here' Balcony Garden designed by Emma Tipping
The Folio Society's Reading Room Garden designed by Katherine Holland
The Doorstep Library Garden: Words Take You Places designed by Gini Denison-Pender, Philippa Craddock, and Anna Garner
The confirmed Container Gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2023 are:
The Platform Garden designed by Amelia Bouquet and Emilie Bausager
The Shifting Garden designed by The Chelsea Gardener
The Hampden Stargardt Garden designed by Joanne Edmonds and Camilla Windsor-Clive
The Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden designed by Julie Haylock and Andrew Haylock
Feels Like Home designed by Rosemary Coldstream
All About Plants
A new garden category, All About Plants, was the first ever garden category to feature in the Great Pavilion, joining the growers and nurseries. These small gardens celebrate the power of plants, highlighting the many ways in which plants can positively influence mental health, community, and industry.
The confirmed All About Plants Gardens for Chelsea Flower Show 2023 are:
The Choose Love Garden designed by Jane Porter
The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens designed by Camellia Taylor
The Sadler’s Wells East Garden designed by Alexa Ryan-Mills
The School Food Matters Garden designed by Harry Holding
The Talitha Arts Garden designed by Joe and Laura Carey
The Teapot Trust: Elsewhere Garden designed by Semple Begg
The Great Pavilion
The Great Pavilion is often referred to as the crown jewel of RHS Chelsea – and we agree. Each year, the massive white tent is filled with glorious spring flowers and the most beautiful floral displays from the world's finest growers and nurseries.
Alongside the flower displays there are also educational exhibits, highlighting the latest discoveries in horticultural science, championing the benefits of gardening, plus how it can combat climate change or improve mental wellbeing. There really is something for everyone.
For 2023 the Great Pavilion will feature over 70 specialist nurseries including David Austin Roses, Surreal Succulents and Raymond Evison Clematis, as well as first-time exhibitors, mushroom growers Caley Bros, Hedgehog Plants who are creating an epimedium theatre, and Darren Everest Sweet Peas. There will also be a platform for small independent growers new to Chelsea with the Plant Fairs Roadshow.
Houseplant Studios
The Houseplant Studios showcase brilliant style ideas and practical tips focused on growing plants in interior spaces. In collaboration with Malvern Garden Buildings, it offers a sensory experience where houseplant specialists will reveal the many benefits plants can bring to our living spaces.
Chelsea on TV
And finally, if you're unable to make Chelsea Flower Show 2023, there's no need to miss out. The BBC and RHS' exclusive broadcast partnership brings gardening inspiration from the RHS to millions of homes across the UK. BBC's RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage takes place across BBC One and BBC Two.
Chelsea Flower show 2022 recap
Last year's show was a memorable one. RHS Chelsea 2022 saw some incredible Show Gardens from designers including Sarah Eberle, Chris Beardshaw, Andy Sturgeon and Juliet Sargeant, as well as new faces making their RHS Chelsea debut, from emerging talent such as London community gardener Tayshan Hayden-Smith, to established designers such as Richard Miers, and Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt.
Planet friendly gardening and health and wellbeing were two key themes, while a key focus of RHS Chelsea 2022 were the celebrations in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Queen – who had been a patron of the gardening charity since 1952 – visited the show to see it in person. This marked Her Majesty's final appearance at the flower show.
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