The first RHS flower show held at a royal residence is currently taking place at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Running from July 22 to 26, the event features show gardens, talks, and exhibits ranging from long borders to upcycled containers. The designs on display are varied in their scope.
A Royal Focus on Design
Unsurprisingly, the location brings a distinct focus to the monarchy. The RHS Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald, was created to celebrate King Charles III’s horticultural legacy and his environmental work. Shane Connolly, the King and Queen’s florist, also contributed a display called “A Royal Dinner in the Garden,” which uses only plants picked from the estate to hint at royal table arrangements.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were directly involved in the proceedings, choosing and presenting specific awards. The Queen’s Choice of Upcycled Containers was awarded to The Pollinator Patch by Whissonsett and District Horticultural Society and Gardening Club. Additionally, Ingoldisthorpe Church of England Primary School received The Queen’s Special Award for “The Queen Bee.”
This specific location choice suggests a deliberate effort to blend traditional royal aesthetics with modern environmental concerns. It signals that high-profile gardening events are moving beyond mere decoration toward functional, sustainable settings that address climate challenges while maintaining historical character.
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Biodiversity Takes Center Stage
The importance of biodiversity in garden design is a major theme at the show. The Mindful Chef’s Gathering garden by Sophie Godber earned The King’s Biodiversity Award along with a gold medal. Inspired by a traditional orchard, its naturalistic and edible planting emphasizes creating habitats that support pollinators, birds, and insects.
Visitors can observe other biodiverse planting schemes throughout the showground, particularly in the Grow Forward gardens. These exhibits showcase methods to improve settings and help mitigate against climate change. The focus on ecological support systems extends beyond visual appeal to practical function.
Water Management Solutions
Water conservation is addressed through several timely displays. The “Rhythm of Rainwater” by AP Design Studio won the Best Grow Forward Garden and a gold medal. Inspired by sustainable water harvesting, it demonstrates how capturing rainwater can serve as a stylish design feature while mitigating shortages.
The installation includes seven aluminum dipping tanks for storage, two of which are linked by a narrow rill to allow water movement. Droplets fall onto steel tongue drums to create organic music. Another exhibit, “Mindful Meadowlands” by Constructing Minds with Nature, demonstrates gardening in areas at risk of flooding using dead hedges as water barriers and a curved boardwalk.
New Rose Varieties Unveiled
Floral enthusiasts have debuted several new rose varieties at the event. Presenter and gardener Rachel de Thame unveiled a vanilla-scented rose named ‘La Madeleine’, bred by Peter Beales Roses for Bonne Maman to mark 21 years of the brand in the UK. De Thame praised the bloom, stating, “This new rose is a gorgeous new classic for any garden; multi-blooming with layer upon layer of beautifully formed, delicate petals and a lovely evocative fragrance. It combines two of my favourite passions – roses and cake!”
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Harkness Roses also launched a yellow rose called ‘Lemon Drizzle’ to celebrate the centenary of the National Garden Scheme. For each ‘Lemon Drizzle’ rose sold, £2.50 will be donated to fund nursing and health charities across the UK.
Student-Designed Border Competition
A border competition for horticultural students and aspiring designers offers problem-solving schemes with a nod to Norfolk’s setting. The “Tough as Old Boots Garden” by Zac Willitts and James Horne was named Best Long Border with a Gold medal, aiming to surprise visitors with what can grow in an urban setting.
Three long borders won Gold medals in total. Mattie O’Callaghan’s “Growing with Many Hands” celebrates the work of gardeners, while “The Habitat Garden” by Jonathan Mitchell and Katy Haywood Smith serves as a naturalistic meadow border. These plots provide visitors with inspiration for border schemes in their own green spaces.
The RNIB Talking Books Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes also received significant recognition, winning the Best Show Garden and Best Construction Award alongside a gold medal. The Royal Horticultural Society continues to host the event through the weekend.
