Each May, a quiet corner of London becomes something extraordinary. The grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are transformed into a living showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and horticultural passion. For us at David Austin® Roses, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a defining moment in the year - the result of many months of growing, planning and collaboration. It’s a chance to share our work, celebrate what we love, and connect with visitors who are as passionate about gardens as we are.
We’ve exhibited at Chelsea since 1982, and each year the anticipation builds anew. There’s something special about stepping into that space, surrounded by fellow growers, designers and garden lovers. But what visitors see during show week is only the final chapter in a long and carefully written story.
Our preparation for Chelsea begins in the quiet of winter, long before the first buds appear. As the days shorten and the fields rest, we turn our focus inward - selecting which roses will be featured, planning the design of the garden, and beginning the meticulous process of coaxing our plants toward peak condition.
The roses destined for Chelsea are never an afterthought. These are mature, characterful plants chosen for their strength, form and ability to bloom reliably at just the right time. Many are trusted specimens that have been shown before, while others may be exciting new introductions we’ve been developing behind the scenes. Each rose is handled with care, repotted and pruned, then monitored closely as it begins its slow journey toward flowering.
Throughout the colder months, they live in our cold glasshouses, growing gradually under cool conditions that allow them to develop strong, healthy structures. As spring nears, we begin to adjust light and temperature to carefully encourage them toward bloom - a process that can’t be rushed and requires constant attention. If a plant starts to move ahead of schedule, we gently slow its progress by relocating it to our shade house. The aim is not just to have roses in flower, but to have them looking their absolute best on the day the gates open.
To give the plants the environment they need, we dedicate a full glasshouse, three polytunnels and a shade house solely to Chelsea. It’s a significant commitment, but one we believe makes all the difference.
While the roses are quietly making their way into bloom, planning for the stand has been taking place behind the scenes for many months. The design, created once again by our Chairman, David J. C. Austin, remains a closely held secret until the gates open. He has been the creative mind behind our Chelsea gardens for many years, bringing a deep understanding of both roses and the atmosphere we want to create. While we won’t reveal too much ahead of time, we hope this year’s display will feel as welcoming and evocative as ever - a true celebration of the rose.
Every detail is planned months in advance. The layout, the flow of paths, the positioning of companion plants - all are carefully considered to create a space that feels immersive, balanced and true to the spirit of an English rose garden.
As the show draws closer, everything is packed and prepared for the journey to London. Each rose is moved with great care, along with all the structural elements and finishing touches that bring the garden together. Once we arrive on site, our build team gets to work. The stand is constructed, soil is laid, and each rose is planted by hand into its new home.
This part of the process can take over a week, and often continues right up until the final moments before judging. It’s physically demanding work, but also hugely rewarding - watching the display take shape, step by step, from an empty plot to a finished garden.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to receive 28 gold medals at Chelsea, and each one is a testament to the dedication of our team. But awards aren’t the reason we take part.
What truly matters is the connection we make with people. Chelsea allows us to speak directly with gardeners, customers and rose lovers from around the world. We hear stories about how a particular rose has marked a special memory or become part of a beloved garden. We share in their enthusiasm, learn from their experiences, and are reminded of the real-life impact of what we do.
For us, Chelsea is also a moment of reflection. It’s a chance to test ourselves, to strive for excellence, and to honour the legacy of David C. H. Austin, who was a quiet but constant presence at the show for many years. He had a remarkable ability to observe and absorb everything, and his approach continues to guide the way we grow, design and present our roses today.
This year’s garden brings together everything we value: thoughtful design, expert growing, and a genuine love for roses. It is the result of months of quiet work, careful decisions, and a team effort that spans many hands and departments.
We’re proud of the garden we’re bringing to Chelsea. It reflects not just the beauty of our roses, but the care and passion that goes into growing them. If you’re visiting the show, we’d love you to stop by. Take your time, breathe in the scent, and explore the display. You may find a familiar favourite - or perhaps discover a new rose to fall in love with.
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The English Roses That Came Before: A look back as Chelsea draws nearAs Chelsea approaches, there’s a familiar feeling of anticipation, one we’ve come to know well over the years. Each rose we release carries with it over a decade of care, dedication and trust in the process. This year, we’re preparing to introduce a rose we hold especially close, our most prestigious yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you.Read moreYesterday -
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