Notes from the garden path
Now that the show gardens have been dismantled and the last petals settle, we take a quiet moment to reflect on this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea is far more than an event; it is a meeting of minds and a celebration of beauty, carefully tended and thoughtfully shared.
At the heart of our Secret Garden stand, visitors found a place to pause and immerse themselves in the scent and quiet splendour of English Roses. The King’s Rose™ (Ausa27a16), our new variety created with The King’s Foundation, stood proudly at its centre. Traditional in form yet purposeful in spirit, it was a living symbol of continuity and care.
A special highlight came with a Royal Visit. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla spent time on the stand, accompanied by David Beckham, ambassador for The King’s Foundation. Their presence brought a true sense of occasion and will long be remembered. We were also pleased to welcome Raymond Blanc, among other familiar faces, whose passion for fragrance and flavour speaks so closely to our own.
Elsewhere, our roses appeared across the showground. At the Highgrove stand, The King’s Rose™ was displayed in handwoven wicker baskets, a simple yet striking nod to craft and sustainability. In Jo Thompson’s Glasshouse Garden, part of The Glasshouse programme, David Austin® rose Emma Bridgewater® (Ausb44a16) offered a soft presence amid richly textured planting. The garden, designed to reflect renewal and second chances, carried a quiet emotional depth that was an honour to support.
Project Giving Back featured Dannahue® (Ausa6b15), while Rhino Greenhouses created a peaceful garden room framed with our climbers and shrub roses. On their stand, Belle Daughtry (@justbelle) brought the scene to life with her thoughtful presence and infectious enthusiasm.
It was a genuine pleasure to spend time with two familiar friends, Robyn Donaldson (@Around.robyn) and Leonora Smee (@Leonorasmee). With their thoughtful storytelling and genuine warmth, they helped bring the spirit of Chelsea to life for many who could not be there in person.
Chelsea is never just about the gardens; it is about the people who walk among them. Our sincere thanks to everyone who visited, shared a moment with our team, or simply paused to enjoy the fragrance of a rose.
Until next year.
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