The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural showcases, attracting visitors from across the globe. Hannah Sloan, Senior Landscape Architect here at The Paul Hogarth Company, who has a particular interest and extensive knowledge of plant design, visited this year’s show in London. In the six years Hannah has been with the practice she has played a key role in several significant projects. These include the major mixed-use development Claremont, Howth, in Dublin, the interpretation of Slieve Gullion Forest Park, in Newry, and the implementation of the multi-faceted masterplan at Rossmore Forest Park, in Monaghan.
As a Landscape Architect, with a particular interest in horticulture, I believe the event offers a heartfelt insight into the evolving role of landscape in addressing the contemporary challenges of today’s world. This year’s show displayed a transformative shift in landscape design, emphasising sustainability, social impact, and bold naturalistic textured planting. Several gardens stood out and speak to the company’s vision and ethos, and the link between quality of place and quality of life, sustaining health populations, ecosystems and economies.
Designing for Climate Resilience
Climate adaptability was a central subject, with several gardens demonstrating how design can respond to environmental challenges. Two stand out gardens included The Garden of the Future by Matthew Butler and Josh Parker, which featured climate resilient crops, integrated rainwater harvesting and solar panels, and a rammed earth structure, all promoting sustainability. Similarly, The Hospitalfield Arts Garden designed by Nigel Dunnett, has an artist’s studio and workspace at the centre of the design nestled into the surrounding sandbanks. A dune pool collects rainwater from the building and surrounding garden which is then fed into the resilient planting which has a coastal and Mediterranean feel.
Both designs demonstrate how climate resilience can be woven into design in effective and considerate ways, without jeopardising aesthetics. The designs create a haven for humans and animals alike, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and sustainability in contemporary garden design.
Gardens with Social Impact
The Pathway Garden by Allon Hoskin & Robert Beaudin symbolised the journey out of homelessness to better health through thoughtful design elements. The use of only upcycled materials, such as the mycelium walls, emphasise regeneration through community support networks. This garden highlights the work of the Pathway charity, while offering open spaces for reflection and contemplation – putting people, their experiences and their needs at the core of the design, which is of utmost importance in ensuring successful landscape architecture.
Embracing boldness, texture and natural aesthetics
I felt the move towards maximalism was apparent with designers favouring rich textures and vibrant colours, together with designs inspired by natural landscapes and wild planting. Designs seemed to move away from minimalism towards layered planting, differing textures and colours which enhance visual interest and in-turn promote biodiversity.
The standout colour this year was purple, dominant throughout numerous gardens, with plants like alliums, foxgloves and irises creating a dramatic yet calming effect. Accompanying these was a design trend towards naturalistic elements, with rocks, moss, and large foliage planting creating immersive environments for exploration and contemplation.
This use of wild planting and natural materials emphasise the importance of using materials of the land in landscape design. Surrounding people with familiar materials and planting puts them at ease with their environment, creating healthy spaces for both people and ecosystems.
The Chelsea Flower Show 2025 highlights the evolving role of horticulture and landscape design in addressing environmental and social issues. As a Landscape Architect, the integration of resilience, inclusivity, and innovation in our work is not just a trend but a necessity as we champion nature and the needs of our planet. This year’s show serves as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful landscape design, ideas and lessons which I will take forth into my designs and share across our practice.
