This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 20-24, 2025) was more than just a feast for the eyes; it was a powerful statement on the future of our gardens. As Cheryl from Studio Hedg can attest from her inspiring visit, the overarching theme of designing for climate change resonated deeply, offering vital insights into how we can
future-proof our outdoor spaces and seamlessly incorporate the beauty of the outdoors. With Studio Hedg’s expertise, you can be confident that your garden will be future-proofed and designed to perfection.
Cheryl’s recent visit to Chelsea was with a client who was focused on integrating garden sculpture into home design. “We were looking for inspiration for a garden sculpture which plays an important role in their house design,” Cheryl explains. “It is positioned in the garden to be seen from when you enter the property, drawing the eye through to the garden beyond. Helping to connect the inside and outside.” This emphasis on the visual journey from indoor to outdoor space, with a focal point sculpture as a key element, was a clear theme throughout the show, highlighting how art and nature can enhance a property’s appeal collaboratively.
From the moment you stepped onto the showground, it was clear that sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword; it was a crucial element woven into the very fabric of the designs. Gardens showcased innovative solutions, from managing floods and droughts to nurturing dwindling wildlife populations, emphasising the importance of responsible gardening and environmental consciousness.
The innovative use of water was another significant takeaway. “There were innovative uses of harvesting and using rainwater, making water a key design feature of the garden,” Cheryl noted. This wasn’t just about functionality; it was about elevating practical solutions into stunning aesthetic elements. The “Avanade Intelligent Garden,” a highlight, even used AI to monitor tree health, a glimpse into truly smart, resilient gardening. We saw inventive “rain-scaping” techniques in gardens like the “Killik & Co Save for a Rainy Day Garden,” demonstrating how to effectively capture and channel rainwater, a crucial element for our increasingly unpredictable climate.
Beyond the innovative technology and sustainable practices, the show was a masterclass in colour. Deep purples and blues were undeniably the show’s stars, creating a moody yet magnificent atmosphere. These rich hues were often offset by red and pale yellow pops, weaving through
the planting to add vibrancy and intrigue. Think velvety purple irises alongside cheerful yellow Trollius or rich plum roses contrasting with bright red poppies. This bold yet harmonious colour palette demonstrated how to create visual depth and impact, even in smaller spaces.
The image captured from the show perfectly encapsulates this year’s spirit. With its layered, textural surface, the striking spherical water feature speaks volumes about integrating natural materials and providing sensory delight. The dark water, reflecting the surrounding greenery, hints at responsible water management and the beauty of even functional elements. Surrounding it, the lush, diverse planting, with its varying shades of green, highlights the importance of biodiversity and creating a vibrant ecosystem.
Finally, Cheryl highlighted the ingenious ways designers approached boundaries. “There were some innovative ways of addressing borders and site boundaries, adding decorative backdrops and garden pergolas to create height and sculptural interest.” This showed how even functional elements can be transformed into artistic statements, adding layers of visual interest and defining spaces within the garden.
So, how can we bring these Chelsea insights into your garden, whether you’re looking to enhance a sprawling landscape or a compact urban oasis?
Bringing Chelsea Home with Studio Hedg:
- Embrace Climate Resilience:
Smart Water Management: Consider incorporating permeable paving, rain gardens, or stylish dipping tanks to harvest rainwater. We can help you choose beautiful plants adapted to local conditions, whether that means drought-tolerant species or those that thrive in wetter areas. The prevalence of ‘dry gardens’ at Chelsea showcased readily obtainable plants that can withstand periods of drought, an essential consideration for many UK gardens. Future-Proofed Planting: We’ll guide you in selecting trees and plants that can withstand changing weather patterns, from resilient native species to those known for adapting to extremes.Biodiversity Boost: Let’s create habitats for local wildlife with pollinator-friendly plants, diverse planting schemes, and even small water features to attract birds and insects.
- Deep Dives into Colour:
Purple & Blue Power: We can help you integrate the stunning deep purples and blues that dominated Chelsea, creating dramatic and sophisticated planting schemes. Imagine lavender borders, rich purple salvias, and striking blue delphiniums bringing your garden to life!Weave in Warmth: Use red and pale yellow accents to add dynamic contrast and warmth. Choosing roses, geums, or poppies can bring that vibrant spark.Layering for Impact: As seen at Chelsea, layering plants with different textures and heights in these colour palettes will create a truly immersive and visually rich garden. - Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living & Sculptural Statements:
The Art of the Reveal: Cheryl saw that a well-placed garden sculpture can draw the eye from within your home, creating a visual journey and connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces. We can help you select or commission a piece that complements your home’s aesthetic and is a captivating focal point.Material Harmony: Extending elements from your interior into your garden can create a truly cohesive feel. Consider using similar stone, wood, or metal finishes inside and out.Sculptural Focal Points: The round water features at Chelsea were stunning examples of sculptural elements. We can design unique focal points, whether a bespoke water feature like the one pictured or a striking piece of garden art that blends natural forms with contemporary design.Innovative Boundaries: Explore decorative backdrops, stylish trellises, or architecturally interesting pergolas to define spaces, add height, and create sculptural interest, echoing the inventive boundary solutions seen at the show.Blurring Boundaries: Through thoughtful planting and clever design, we can create spaces that feel like a natural extension of your home, drawing the eye outwards and inviting you to step into your green sanctuary.
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show was a powerful reminder that our gardens are more than just pretty spaces; they are vital ecosystems and extensions of our homes. At Studio Hedg, we’re inspired by these forward-thinking designs. We are ready to help you create a garden that is not only beautiful but also resilient and sustainable and a true reflection of your desire to bring the best of the outdoors.
Contact us today to discuss your vision for a future-proofed garden!
