The grounds of London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea became a vivid showcase of colour and innovation last week, for the annual Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show. Heralded as the world’s most famous flower show, the five-day spectacular, which drew to a close May 23, celebrated the pinnacle of horticulture while inspiring and educating visitors from across the globe. The showcase attracted over 100,000 patrons and featured more than 400 exhibitors across the world, including 30 unique gardens and 79 specialist growers and nurseries.

A highlight from this year’s exhibitors was the RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden. Horticulturist Frances Tophill teamed up with veteran horticultural journalist Alan Titchmarsh and football icon David Beckham for the installation. The collaboration aimed to spark curiosity, inspiring a new generation to garden for personal well-being and environmental health. The display featured an eclectic mix of flora, including Coreopsis tinctoria, wheat, pistachio, mulberry, and delphiniums — a known favourite of His Majesty King Charles III.

Adding to the excitement was the launch of a new shrub rose, the Sir David Beckham, by David Austin Roses. The bloom was inspired by Beckham’s daughter, Harper, as a special way to celebrate her father’s birthday!

Among the award-winning gardens this year were The Lady Garden Foundation Silent No More Garden, which won Best Construction (Show Garden); The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden, which took RHS Garden of the Year honours; and Trussell’s Together Garden, which won Best Construction (Small Show Garden).

Style Observer Gardening showcases the best from this year’s show.

His Majesty King Charles III (left) and Queen Camilla (second right) joined (from left) horticulturist Frances Tophill, former England international Sir David Beckham and horticultural journalist Alan Titchmarsh for a tour of the Curious Garden. Instagram/@the_rhs

The Lady Garden Foundation Silent No More Garden, a gold medal winner, also won the award for Best Construction (Show Garden).Royal Horticultural Society

The Sir David Beckham rose launched at this year’s show.Royal Horticultural Society

The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden won the RHS Garden of the Year award.Royal Horticultural Society

Trussell’s Together Garden won the Best Construction (Small Show Garden) award. Royal Horticultural Society