It was with great joy that I attended the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, an event widely recognized as one of the highlights in London’s calendar. Held across the expansive grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this gathering sets the trends seen at the exhibition which quickly spread to garden designs all over.
Since it’s a who’s who in the world of garden design, I made it my mission to speak to as many tastemakers as I could. And the result? A list of
garden trends
and outdoor furniture styles emerging in 2025 that’s worth taking inspiration from.
I’ll stop teasing now, but first, let me say this: Before we dive into the revolutionary garden designs poised to transform landscaping aesthetics, allow me to assure you — visiting them in person will speak volumes.
Tickets can still be purchased through platforms like AXS.
, and the exhibition remains accessible for the remainder of the week. This stunning display features an array of flowers, plants, and furnishings that you won’t be able to stop thinking about for at least several weeks.
1. Sensory Water Features
Sensory gardens
were a major trend at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. And while gardens with vibrance in color, textural intrigue, and fragrant flowers have been in fashion for some time now, the sensory focus that had a monopoly on exhibits this year was water.
Whether it was through modest water fountains or extravagant cascading waterfall features, this theme kept appearing wherever I looked. It wasn’t solely about appearances;
water features
, but rather more about the audio quality.
The soothing flow of water brings a peaceful ambiance even to bustling city center gardens. This nearly mesmerizing noise helps ease anxiety with each drop, simultaneously providing an elegant design element that conveys sophistication upon initial hearing.
2. Furniture That Merges Boundaries
In terms of
outdoor furniture trends
, one characteristic that consistently appeared across various exhibitions is the adaptability of outdoor furniture for indoor settings. Rather than opting for basic garden pieces, the trend leans towards choosing fashionable items that appear as though they were designed specifically for a living space – and can indeed function indoors as well.
Laura Cranston, part of the team responsible for the high-end furniture label
Nth Degree
The exhibitor at the show informs me that this trend allows you to maximize the utility of your outdoor furniture even when your garden is either too chilly or too hot for comfortable living. As she points out, “Rather than choosing pieces that serve solely as garden accessories, we’re witnessing a shift towards stylish indoor/outdoor furniture.”
In this manner, you can keep your garden furniture outside during the summer and spring seasons, then gradually move it indoors as winter sets in. However, this approach depends on the appearance of your furniture.
3. Sculptural Focal Points
Several of my favorite aspects from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show were the garden sculptures. An elegantly cast head statue along with a finely engraved piece are often considered luxurious ornamental elements inside one’s house, so why shouldn’t they also be treated as such when placed outside among the greenery?
“The timeless quality that stone and marble bring to any garden is something I often appreciate in my sculptures,” remarks the British sculptor.
Paul Vanstone
Partially, every element conveys a narrative, and gardens merit their distinct form of artistry as significantly as living rooms do.
Whether you lean towards minimalistic interiors or maximalist gardens that always provide something new, Paul notes that
decorating with sculpture
“It can appeal to all preferences. It sits intriguingly at the intersection of these two stylistic extremes, making it remarkably simple to incorporate and customize as well,” he notes.
4. Giving-Back Gardens
Marianne Shillingford, who serves as the creative director at
Cuprinol
And my fellow gardening enthusiast informs me that thoughtless planting is no longer trendy. She states, “Nowadays, everyone is focused on cultivating gardens that provide benefits.”
Instead of gardens that are cultivated merely to utilize pastures, landscape designers have redirected their attention towards tailoring outdoor areas to meet the specific requirements of each residence.
planting flowers to cut
,
growing vegetables
To dine or cultivate smart crops for refreshment.
Therefore, based on whatever you hope to gain from your outdoor area, numerous activities can be undertaken to ensure your garden provides a payoff for your hard work. Additionally, this creates a deliberate spot that genuinely brings happiness.
5. Ageless Timber for Natural Ornamental Details
This year’s exhibition had me captivated with numerous sophisticated pieces of outdoor furnishings for gardens. However, amidst all the displays, one particular material seemed ubiquitous—wood. Even though some booths featured modern metal chairs and clear acrylic side tables, wood undoubtedly emerged as the most popular choice by far.
Lorna Ross, who serves as the marketing director, states, “I feel it’s crucial to give deep consideration to the materials.”
Angus Ross
For far too long, garden furniture has been constructed using materials sourced internationally that do not have a traceable background. Additionally, the problematic usage of plastics to enhance an outdoor space should be noted.
Lorna goes on to say that the reason we’re returning to wood for outdoor furniture is because it’s organic, it feels natural and blends with ease. “We make furniture out of solid oak, a Scottish native wood that ages beautifully with time. And contrary to popular belief, wood doesn’t have to be boring,” she adds.
So if your worry has been that wood furniture pales in comparison to other materials, perhaps you’re looking in the wrong place.
6. Adaptive Planting Schemes
“Adaptive planting schemes are a trend we’re seeing that holds actual importance to the environment while also beautifying backyards,” says Marianne. Similar to
naturalistic planting
and
native lawns
, adaptive planting schemes involve thoroughly intentional gardening that comes across as effortless.
As the world around us continues to transform over time, it’s logical for our gardening practices to evolve alongside these changes,” she notes. “Adaptable cultivation entails choosing plant species that thrive in your local climate and contribute positively to environmental health through natural means.
Therefore, before you decide to plant an exotic orchid or introduce ornamental grass that isn’t suitable for your local weather, she suggests conducting some research to create a garden that remains vibrant year-round.
7. Dramatic Effect with Bold Color Schemes
A seasoned color specialist herself, Marianne highlights a emerging color trend among the blooming floral decorations at the event. She notes, “This season is all about incorporating smoky hues through flowers and vibrant greenery whenever feasible.”
As much as I can observe, it appears that richer, bolder hues have become prominent at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. For example, traditional pale pink roses were
David Austin Roses
The display is stunning, yet the bright yellows and deep maroons truly steal the show.
Rather than choosing flowers with understated color schemes, tap into the vibrancy by selecting options that reflect the energetic vibe showcased.
colorful shrubs
and florals that bring their own style.
8. Greenhouses That Entertain
Lastly yet importantly, one prevalent theme throughout the Chelsea Flower Show was the idea of greenhouses designed for entertainment. Iain Cummine, who serves as the production manager, noted this aspect.
Gabriel Ash
says that participating in this
garden trend
It’s an excellent method to make use of your greenhouse for purposes beyond mere gardening.
He notes that many individuals are repurposing their greenhouses not just for plant cultivation but also as multipurpose areas that serve as gathering spots. With appropriate planning, one can convert part of a greenhouse into an inviting entertainment area alongside its main function.
Regardless of whether you’re savoring a solitary cup of coffee or sharing a spring brunch with friends, greenhouses have become the latest outdoor venue for making memorable moments amidst lush surroundings.
FAQs
How Much are Tickets For the Chelsea Flower Show?
Depending on whether you’re a member and also the day you wish to attend, ticket prices for the Chelsea Flower Show can vary. Members benefit from all-day tickets priced between £120 to £125 for members-only days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And if you’re a member with a preference for public days (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) tickets are priced at between £80 to £110.
If you’re not an RHS member, you can attend all-day Thursday and Friday for £138 and on Sunday for £119. You can also buy half-day tickets for 3:30 pm entry priced at £83 or 5:30 pm entry for £56.
How long does it take to walk around the Chelsea Flower Show?
If you want to go through each exhibition and spend ample time at every single booth, it might take around 5 to 7 hours. Nevertheless, one of the great things about this event is that you can selectively view the exhibits that interest you most by organizing your schedule ahead of time.
After attending this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, I had the pleasure of encountering exceptional talents within their respective domains, spotted numerous emerging trends worth monitoring, and gathered abundant motivation. In my opinion, the Chelsea Flower Show is definitely an event not to be overlooked.
Even though it was my inaugural attendance at this event, I can confidently say that it definitely won’t be my last.
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