The Chelsea Flower Show welcomed a distinguished crowd on Monday as royalty, celebrities, and even dogs shared the spotlight in a celebration of horticultural creativity and natural design.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the first to explore the gardens on display, joined by familiar faces such as football legend David Beckham and Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett. The event, held annually by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), this year placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and rewilding, with garden designs reflecting the beauty of natural landscapes shaped by climate change and a growing public desire to reconnect with the environment.
From moss-lined paving and gravel pathways to native plantings, designers embraced a more organic and climate-conscious approach. But it wasn’t just the flora that drew attention.
This year, canines took an unexpected turn in the limelight thanks to the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, designed by renowned gardener and presenter Monty Don. Specifically crafted with dogs in mind, the garden features soft lawns, shallow water features for wallowing, and leafy trees for shade. Brick pathways bear the names of notable dogs belonging to the royal family and broadcasters—including the late Beth, Queen Camilla’s beloved Jack Russell; her puppy Moley; and Snuff, King Charles’s dog.
Don, known for his reservations about traditional show gardens, said the opportunity to highlight the emotional bond between people and their pets inspired his participation. “It’s a celebration of companionship,” he noted. While the garden is not up for judging, it will live on after the event with a permanent home planned at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Dame Joanna Lumley, actor David Tennant, and BBC presenter Zoe Ball were also seen enjoying an early look at the prestigious event, joining the long list of high-profile guests who have made the Chelsea Flower Show a centerpiece of British cultural life.
