For the first time in years, we weren’t at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and yes, we were gutted. Tickets sold out in a flash, and despite our best efforts, we had to watch from afar. But that didn’t stop us from soaking up all the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 garden design inspiration. From standout planting to thoughtful, purposeful design, there was plenty to admire and plenty we’re excited to share with you.
We’ve always loved covering Chelsea Flower Show up close have a look at our 2024 highlights and 2023 round up if you missed them. This year may have been different, but it was no less inspiring. And the good news? We’re already planning to be at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival this July and we can’t wait.
Naturalistic Planting Still Leads the Way
Creator: Sarah Cuttle
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 brought more of that soft, rewilded look that has taken hold in recent years and it’s not going anywhere. Loose, layered planting with ornamental grasses, meadow flowers and native species filled many of the show gardens. The effect was relaxed, romantic, and perfectly imperfect. A reminder that gardens don’t need to be overly tidy to be beautiful.
Garden Design Trends from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Even from afar, several gardens stood out for their creativity, sensitivity, and storytelling. Each one brought something fresh, thoughtful, and beautifully executed to the show — and we’ll be referencing them throughout the season as we work with our own clients.
1. The Glasshouse Garden
Jo Thompson garden, Chelsea 2025- Eva Nemeth
Designer: Jo Thompson
This immersive garden celebrates the transformative power of horticulture, particularly for women nearing the end of their prison sentences. It features a translucent, elliptical pavilion surrounded by lush planting, including river birch trees, ferns, grasses, and roses like ‘Tuscany Superb’ and ‘Emma Bridgewater’. The design emphasizes themes of rehabilitation and second chances.
2. The Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden
Designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall, this RHS Chelsea 2025
Designers: Nick Burton and Duncan Hall
This garden challenges misconceptions about Down’s Syndrome, featuring a semi-wooded area with a path leading to a colourful feature building adorned with decorative tiles. The planting scheme includes river birch trees, Iris sibirica ‘Tropic Night’, and Primula florindae, creating a vibrant and inclusive space.
Sustainability Is No Longer Optional
One of the strongest themes across this year’s gardens was sustainability. Designers reused materials, incorporated rainwater harvesting, and showcased wildlife-friendly planting. This isn’t just a passing trend, it’s becoming the standard for thoughtful garden design. It’s something we’re passionate about too, and it’s exciting to see it take centre stage at Chelsea.
Designing for Accessibility and Flow
The Pathway Garden – Image credit: Jayne Lloyd / The English Garden
The Pathway Garden stood out for its thoughtful, inclusive design. Created to showcase how gardens can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, the space balanced beauty with accessibility. Gently curving paths, raised planting beds, and sensory elements made this garden feel welcoming, grounded, and emotionally engaging.
It’s a powerful reminder that function and flair aren’t mutually exclusive. When designing outdoor spaces, thinking about movement, texture, and comfort can transform the experience — not just for now, but as your needs evolve over time.
Natural Materials and Earthy Tones
There was a lovely grounded feel to the hardscaping this year. Designers leaned into warm stone, aged timber, limewashed walls, and rusty corten steel. The result? Gardens that felt instantly timeless as if they had already grown into their surroundings. These materials only get better with age and are a great way to create a space that matures gracefully.
Let Chelsea Inspire Your Garden
Whether you were following along from home like we were, or lucky enough to attend in person, Chelsea Flower Show was packed with inspiration. If it’s sparked new ideas for your own outdoor space, we’re here to help bring them to life.
From romantic planting plans to pollinator-friendly borders and beautifully designed garden layouts, our expert team; including our in-house horticulturist can create a space that feels just right for you. Our garden design packages are tailored to your space, your style, and your vision.
Looking Ahead to Hampton Court
Although we missed Chelsea this time, we’re already looking forward to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival happening 1–6 July 2025. It’s a fantastic show with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere and we’ll be there with our camera (and notebooks), ready to explore, be inspired, and share more of our favourite finds.