The Cotswold Garden at Chelsea
Stepping into a garden should feel like a homecoming, not just a walk through an exhibit. This year at the Chelsea Flower Show, we wanted to capture that exact feeling with The Cotswold Garden. It is a space where the weight of heritage stone meets the soft, fleeting beauty of a rose in full bloom.
The Welcome
Your journey begins the moment you step toward the warm, honey-hued tones of a handcrafted Cotswold stone wall. Marking this arrival is the Sir David Beckham rose, its striking blooms set against the masonry to create an immediate sense of occasion. It is a first impression that balances classic English style with a contemporary edge.
Architecture and Handcrafted Detail
The garden’s structure draws deep from the well of British horticultural history. Our gates find their inspiration in the iconic Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, leading you into a space where every element is intentional.
The garden beds are beautifully edged with willow weaved by hand. This provides a soft, organic boundary that cradles the roses while allowing their blooms to spill over the sides. Nestled within the landscape, you will also find handcrafted desks, pieces that invite you to sit and reflect, bridging the gap between a working garden and a place of artistic inspiration.
A Sensory Journey
Beyond the gates, the heavy stone walls give way to a soft, romantic abundance. The garden is designed to unfold slowly, using shifting fragrances and dappled light to pull you deeper into the space.
At the heart of the garden lies a circular sanctuary. Here, the rhythmic pulse of a central fountain invites you to stop, breathe, and lose yourself in the movement of the water and the scent of the petals.
The Master Planting: A Galaxy of Stars
We have curated a selection that celebrates the rose in every possible form, from the regal and structured to the light and ethereal:
- Regal Icons: The garden is anchored by the presence of The King’s Rose® and the poised, upward-facing blooms of Queen of Sweden®.
- Literary and Artistic Spirit: We have brought together a library of roses, including the deeply fragrant Emily Brontë® and Gabriel Oak®, alongside the charming Emma Bridgewater® and the sun-drenched tones of Vanessa Bell®.
- Whimsical and Airy Textures: For a softer touch, the delicate yellow of Tottering-by-Gently® and the glowing, open blooms of The Lark Ascending® create a sense of movement.
- Modern Classics: Visitors will also find the apricot-hued Dannahue®, the pristine Kew Gardens®, and the soft primrose-yellow of Nye Bevan®.
A Landmark 30th Gold at RHS Chelsea
We are delighted to share that we’ve been awarded our 30th Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This milestone is a celebration of the passion, craftsmanship, and quiet dedication of our entire team who bring these gardens to life every year.
An Enduring Legacy
Beyond the aesthetic, The Cotswold Garden is rooted in a philosophy of resilience and responsibility. Many of the roses featured have been nurtured over several seasons, a testament to our commitment to longevity.
True to our vision of the future, these plants are grown using peat-free practices, combining generations of expertise with modern, sustainable cultivation. It is more than just a garden; it is an enduring vision of beauty that respects the earth it grows in.
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New for 2026: Sir David Beckham (Ausa34b16)Sir David Beckham (Ausa34b16) is a rose shaped by natural beauty, quiet strength and a deeply personal story. Created to mark a milestone year and inspired by a touching request from Harper for her father’s 50th birthday, this remarkable new English Shrub Rose is rooted in something deeply meaningful, a living symbol of family, resilience and enduring love. Yet beyond the story behind its name, Sir David Beckham is, above all, a rose of great garden beauty and presence.
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The Story Behind the Sir David Beckham RoseWith Sir David Beckham’s birthday this weekend, it feels like the perfect time to share the heartfelt story behind a project that has been quietly blooming at our Shropshire nursery. While the official debut is still to come, the journey of this new variety began last year when Sir David celebrated his milestone 50th birthday. His daughter, Harper, wanted to give a truly unique gift: a rose that would reflect her father's love for the British countryside and the hours they share together in the family garden.
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Peat-Free Champions: Why We’re Peat-Free (And How You Can Be Too)In recent years, many gardeners have begun to rethink the compost they use to protect Britain's ancient peatlands. At David Austin®, we have been working with peat-free compost for over fifteen years, and we now grow every rose in a 100% peat-free medium. With a few simple adjustments, you can do the same at home.
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Twelve Years in the Making: Breeding an English RoseA new English rose, over a decade in the making, is ready to make its debut in the Great Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show. After years of careful cultivation, it will finally share its beauty with the world in full bloom, for the very first time.
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The King’s Rose™ (Ausa27a16): Supporting The King’s Foundation’s Vision for the FutureThe story behind The King’s Rose™ began with a simple moment of connection. At the Chelsea Flower Show in the 1990s, David J.C. Austin met His Majesty The King, then The Prince of Wales. During their conversation, they discovered they had both grown Ferdinand Pichard, a distinctive, striped old rose, as the first rose in their gardens. It was a small but meaningful exchange that stayed with David.
