2018 Chelsea Flower Show: Show Garden Award Winners

Introduction

Formally known as the Great Spring Show, the Chelsea Flower Show is held annually in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in London. It is arguably the most well-known garden show in England, and perhaps in the world.

The corporate sponsor of the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show is M&G Investments. There are more than 400 exhibtors and nearly 170,000 people from all over the world are expected to attend the 2018 show, during its five-day running, 22 – 26 May.

This year the focus of the show is on the environment and mental health. Exhibitors have been challenged to show how gardens can help us address the biggest environmental problems of our time: sustainable materials, including plastics. The show will also highlight how plants, flowers and green spaces can have a positive impact on our health, wellbeing and happiness.

The garden awards presented by the RHS at the Chelsea Flower Show are among the most coveted in the world of horticulture and garden design. This year, there are a total of 26 gardens across three categories: Show Gardens, Artisan Gardens, and Space-to-Grow Gardens. For each garden category there are four grades of medals that can be presented: Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze. There is no limit to the number of medals that can be awarded within each grade since each garden is judged according to set criteria. Of course, this also means that there may be certain medal grades that are not awarded to any garden.

Within each garden category there is also a “Best” garden award and for Show Gardens there is a “Best Construction” award.

This article reviews the Show Garden award winners. Please see separate articles for Artisan Garden and Space-to-Grow Garden award winners.

Show Garden Award Winners

Best Show Garden Award: The Morgan Stanley Garden for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the UK’s leading children’s charity).