How refreshing to hear a gardener/designer say these things. I’ve felt similar for a long time. I love Chelsea in many ways, but it is elitist and no longer fit for purpose. I can’t afford to go and besides, I get anxious in large crowds, but it’s not because of my personal prejudices. I hate the waste involved. It makes me sick and sad. Like you, the shopping element leaves me cold. I stopped going to major agricultural shows because of this aspect. I went to a gardening show in Edinburgh a few years back and it was much more community focused, with plant sales from nurseries making up most of the shopping element.
There is so much scope to do something different that could have lasting benefits for nature and communities. I sincerely hope the RHS is thinking about change.
I think you make some very valid comments Jack. I hope the countless others who feel as you do are airing their views publicly too. Chelsea is an anachronism in the world we live in now. On the whole, it feels to me like a show by the elite for the elite. I also hate the way they draft in all the "celebrities" to present the BBC TV coverage, some of whom have little or no knowledge of gardening or plants.
I would like the money to be spent on greening up our cities with sustainable gardens, which both educate the public in how to garden sustainably and provide a green oasis in a sea of concrete. A good example is the National Trust Castlefield Viaduct garden, which has been waiting for months to be awarded a grant to extend the garden. The RHS needs to team up with the National Trust and other much smaller organisations to form a network across the country.
Wouldn’t it be so much more interesting to have a week of footage about the transformation of a city centre or town, or village etc. it could be revolutionary!
Agreed. I was particularly sad, no, angry, about the RHS’ decision to continue to allow peat. Surely they should be setting an example, not making pathetic excuses. I cancelled my membership a few years back when they failed to condemn peat-based growing media.
I feel angry about it too, after such a hard fought ban on peat finally coming in, with the RHS helping lead the charge on that, to then casually allow another two years for peat at Chelsea, it felt like a personal betrayal - which might sound over the top but that’s how it felt. It should have been used to make a stand and send a message to the Government.
Years ago, in the 1980s/early 90s, there were National Garden Festivals (5 total, I believe), focusing on uk sites requiring restoration (of derelict land). I remember going to the one in Liverpool.
A smaller version of this instead, annually, perhaps?
Much food for thought here. My initial quick response is very much yes to uncoupling Chelsea from Chelsea. I cancelled my RHS membership last year because I didn't feel that I was getting benefit from it. Until recently there were very few partner gardens here in the north east of Scotland, and there is no RHS annual show in Scotland. The RHS had made a big fanfare about taking a major show "around the country" from now on, and I was encouraged, but when I looked at the detail it turned out that "around the country" means "England". I wrote to them to say that as far as I was aware they were a UK organisation, and that it was a pity a) that there was no Scottish show and b) to point out that they had fallen into the lazy English habit of using "England" for the UK as a whole.
This is the problem, gardening is very London and South focussed, there is no escaping it - so maintaining that isn't help increase the number of gardeners or to inspire the country, it's maintaining the status quo. I really feel decoupling it from central London is key too. Have the first one in Scotland!
I love your ideas, Chelsea makes me feel very uncomfortable on so many levels , including the consumerism. It needs a serious conversation. Like Judith says above it’s certainly not fit for the times we are living in. The capitalisation of gardening is of serious concern 🙁
I believe it is too, capitalisation of gardening has overtaken the very principles that make it so exciting and wonderful, it's sad to have watched happen in my life time - 'most people' don't grow stuff any more, they don't understand how to grow plants from seed and look after them. It feels like true gardeners are a dwindling minority, but holding on strong.
YES! to all of your points! this is a very good list! Everything so well put and researched.
I can only say that here in Germany it is done in these ways. It's called BuGa (Bundesgartenschau) and is rotated every year to another place or city, gardens and infrastructures are kept in place and are subsequently cared for as they enhance the previously underdeveloped communities where they take place. the sites are chosen for that exact reason, places that need a boost.
the thing is that that usually works for a while but through lack of funding in these communities, after a few years the gardens grow less cared for, there are less people to care for them, sometimes they become quite sorry places. Also, in Germany gardening sadly has a lesser standing. it is not widely seen as an art form and the shows, however well visited, have less public traction and again - funding. But maybe on your island it could be such a different story!! I hope so much you will be heard, in fact, i'm sure of it!! thank you for this work!
oh good! and hey - i learned so much from YOU (from reading your posts and newsletters and your pictures)!! lovely to know i could give you a little link. that just put me in a very good mood! 🧡
Thank you Ivy that’s great to know something similar already happens in Germany! I’ll read more about that. The point on maintenance afterwards is the critical one, I hope with today’s knowledge of long term planting and also by working with communities before it can help with this. But it would definitely need a good plan for each event.
The categories need a shake up for sure and focus more closely on: sustainability, wildlife friendly, best upcoming designers (fresh faces), climate adaptable, best regional community gardens, low budget...this would make it more relevant and less stuffy. Perhaps no medals but best 3/4 for each group. I still like it (via TV) but when you visit it does feel like an elitist cat walk.
Love those category suggestions. And interesting to hear you feel it’s elitist. I always knew it was but put it to the back of my mind because I enjoyed lots of elements. Now I’ve removed myself from the craziness of attending I am hearing the voices of people who are really turned off my it’s elitism much more loudly. I understand better. I guess also moving from nearby to up North made a difference.
Thanks for this post Jack, - always good questions and clever points. I have never been at the Chels yet, and I´m not sure I ever will. All the posts on insta these days makes me sad, thinking of the people flying in to this plot for a week to be entertained. Some of it looks vulgar and has nothing to do with gardens or gardening. It sounds a little fake in my ears when many of the participents are writing books about substainability, recilient and the ecoway of designing gardens?? Your post is a very kind way to ring the bells for a change. Thanks again. Best from Denmark / Kjeld
Thanks Kjeld, it has a lot that is fantastic, but the overall structure and legacy is definitely holding it back. A lot of it is vulgar, especially the expense and waste - both in terms of literal waste but also in the wasted opportunity of using all that talent for something that lasts.
You have put into words all my thoughts about all the large gardening shows although Chelsea in particular, so much waste of resources and talent. The idea of permanent community gardens with sustainability at their heart has to be the way forward - I hope your ideas will be taken up.
Yes to all of that Jack! Thank you for putting it out here. Another point is that by creating and maintaining community gardens in places that really need them the presence of the RHS would be expanded enormously beyond it's current scope. Good for the cities, good for the RHS, good for nature, good for the planet. I'm wholeheartedly behind you.
That's a very good point, it would turn the charity into an even greater force for good, reaching more people. It certainly makes sense. I know they do have community and school outreach programmes already, but imagine the boost if all of them money, resource and investment of Chelsea and other shows merged with those programmes.
These are fabulous ideas and important points to consider! But what now? How will this be progressed? Are any of the 'powers that be' paying attention? Does this need more volume or maybe a sit down with the relevant decision makers to show these alternatives? How does this happen?
I'll send it into the RHS soon incorporating everyone's thoughts, though I know a number of people in the RHS read my newsletter too (from them telling me) so someone in the organisation has probably already seen it.
So agree with you Jack - when I think about how many community gardens I have worked with in areas of deprivation that have struggled to keep going on meagre short term charity funding and the obscene amounts squandered on what you describe, it is obscene. You have hit on something here!
The whole time I've visited, I've been aware of the privilege and excess but was dazzled by the show gardens and plants, which are made by talented growers and crafts people. I think largely because I have moved out of the London bubble, where we lived within walking distance of the show ground, I've stepped away from the excitement to see it from a afar and you're right - the talent of plants and craft are a tiny part of what is something much more obscene. I keep coming back to the word 'exclusion' in my head and I think of all the millions of people who are excluded because of their circumstance, and the wasted opportunity of all that money and talent. How the people involved are being steered to do something they don't really want to do - they want to make gardens and spaces for people to bring joy and food, gathering etc. I know many people in the RHS want that too - but everyone is tied by tradition and funding to cover the expense.
oh and one more thing, or one more bullet point on the list, as a suggestion: make it more open internationally, do more exchanges and cooperations with the gardening folks of the rest of the world. Britain is leading in gardening culture but only through its international influences and interchanges!
The Scone Palace Garden show had 3 show gardens this year that will be there all year so we can see how they develop. I love this idea. The gardens were lovely and thought provoking but having this longevity really lets us see how they’ll change, just like ‘real’ gardens. Which I like rather than a bunch of plants put together at the precise time and stage that suits the designer instead of what would occur naturally. This takes away some of that artifice
How refreshing to hear a gardener/designer say these things. I’ve felt similar for a long time. I love Chelsea in many ways, but it is elitist and no longer fit for purpose. I can’t afford to go and besides, I get anxious in large crowds, but it’s not because of my personal prejudices. I hate the waste involved. It makes me sick and sad. Like you, the shopping element leaves me cold. I stopped going to major agricultural shows because of this aspect. I went to a gardening show in Edinburgh a few years back and it was much more community focused, with plant sales from nurseries making up most of the shopping element.
There is so much scope to do something different that could have lasting benefits for nature and communities. I sincerely hope the RHS is thinking about change.
Thanks so much for writing this, Jack.
I hope so too, I think their hands are so tied by Chelsea and we don’t actually need it in the current format.
Wholeheartedly agree. And yes - the shows in Edinburgh are terrific.
I think you make some very valid comments Jack. I hope the countless others who feel as you do are airing their views publicly too. Chelsea is an anachronism in the world we live in now. On the whole, it feels to me like a show by the elite for the elite. I also hate the way they draft in all the "celebrities" to present the BBC TV coverage, some of whom have little or no knowledge of gardening or plants.
I would like the money to be spent on greening up our cities with sustainable gardens, which both educate the public in how to garden sustainably and provide a green oasis in a sea of concrete. A good example is the National Trust Castlefield Viaduct garden, which has been waiting for months to be awarded a grant to extend the garden. The RHS needs to team up with the National Trust and other much smaller organisations to form a network across the country.
Wouldn’t it be so much more interesting to have a week of footage about the transformation of a city centre or town, or village etc. it could be revolutionary!
Yes, absolutely Jack.
I couldn't like or reply, as the footer is hiding the icons.
Celebrities I have never heard of...
I hate the celebrity element too.
It does make it pretty naff, when lots of the designs and growers are actually thought provoking and cutting edge
Agreed. I was particularly sad, no, angry, about the RHS’ decision to continue to allow peat. Surely they should be setting an example, not making pathetic excuses. I cancelled my membership a few years back when they failed to condemn peat-based growing media.
I feel angry about it too, after such a hard fought ban on peat finally coming in, with the RHS helping lead the charge on that, to then casually allow another two years for peat at Chelsea, it felt like a personal betrayal - which might sound over the top but that’s how it felt. It should have been used to make a stand and send a message to the Government.
Great article, thanks, couldn't agree more.
Years ago, in the 1980s/early 90s, there were National Garden Festivals (5 total, I believe), focusing on uk sites requiring restoration (of derelict land). I remember going to the one in Liverpool.
A smaller version of this instead, annually, perhaps?
Yes, there was one in Glasgow which was hugely well attended. Scotland seems like Ultima Thule as far as the RHS is concerned.
Oh that’s interesting, it’s definitely worth digging up information from those to learn from!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_garden_festival
Fascinating thankyou! There’s a link in that to a photo blog from one of the sites as it is today which is interesting.
Much food for thought here. My initial quick response is very much yes to uncoupling Chelsea from Chelsea. I cancelled my RHS membership last year because I didn't feel that I was getting benefit from it. Until recently there were very few partner gardens here in the north east of Scotland, and there is no RHS annual show in Scotland. The RHS had made a big fanfare about taking a major show "around the country" from now on, and I was encouraged, but when I looked at the detail it turned out that "around the country" means "England". I wrote to them to say that as far as I was aware they were a UK organisation, and that it was a pity a) that there was no Scottish show and b) to point out that they had fallen into the lazy English habit of using "England" for the UK as a whole.
As for the TV coverage with its "celebrities"...
This is the problem, gardening is very London and South focussed, there is no escaping it - so maintaining that isn't help increase the number of gardeners or to inspire the country, it's maintaining the status quo. I really feel decoupling it from central London is key too. Have the first one in Scotland!
Fantastic article Jack as always!
I love your ideas, Chelsea makes me feel very uncomfortable on so many levels , including the consumerism. It needs a serious conversation. Like Judith says above it’s certainly not fit for the times we are living in. The capitalisation of gardening is of serious concern 🙁
I believe it is too, capitalisation of gardening has overtaken the very principles that make it so exciting and wonderful, it's sad to have watched happen in my life time - 'most people' don't grow stuff any more, they don't understand how to grow plants from seed and look after them. It feels like true gardeners are a dwindling minority, but holding on strong.
YES! to all of your points! this is a very good list! Everything so well put and researched.
I can only say that here in Germany it is done in these ways. It's called BuGa (Bundesgartenschau) and is rotated every year to another place or city, gardens and infrastructures are kept in place and are subsequently cared for as they enhance the previously underdeveloped communities where they take place. the sites are chosen for that exact reason, places that need a boost.
the thing is that that usually works for a while but through lack of funding in these communities, after a few years the gardens grow less cared for, there are less people to care for them, sometimes they become quite sorry places. Also, in Germany gardening sadly has a lesser standing. it is not widely seen as an art form and the shows, however well visited, have less public traction and again - funding. But maybe on your island it could be such a different story!! I hope so much you will be heard, in fact, i'm sure of it!! thank you for this work!
I've just been reading up on Bundesgartenschau, fascinating. Thanks again for sharing, as always, we can learn so much from each other :) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundesgartenschau
oh good! and hey - i learned so much from YOU (from reading your posts and newsletters and your pictures)!! lovely to know i could give you a little link. that just put me in a very good mood! 🧡
Thank you Ivy that’s great to know something similar already happens in Germany! I’ll read more about that. The point on maintenance afterwards is the critical one, I hope with today’s knowledge of long term planting and also by working with communities before it can help with this. But it would definitely need a good plan for each event.
The categories need a shake up for sure and focus more closely on: sustainability, wildlife friendly, best upcoming designers (fresh faces), climate adaptable, best regional community gardens, low budget...this would make it more relevant and less stuffy. Perhaps no medals but best 3/4 for each group. I still like it (via TV) but when you visit it does feel like an elitist cat walk.
Love those category suggestions. And interesting to hear you feel it’s elitist. I always knew it was but put it to the back of my mind because I enjoyed lots of elements. Now I’ve removed myself from the craziness of attending I am hearing the voices of people who are really turned off my it’s elitism much more loudly. I understand better. I guess also moving from nearby to up North made a difference.
Thanks for this post Jack, - always good questions and clever points. I have never been at the Chels yet, and I´m not sure I ever will. All the posts on insta these days makes me sad, thinking of the people flying in to this plot for a week to be entertained. Some of it looks vulgar and has nothing to do with gardens or gardening. It sounds a little fake in my ears when many of the participents are writing books about substainability, recilient and the ecoway of designing gardens?? Your post is a very kind way to ring the bells for a change. Thanks again. Best from Denmark / Kjeld
Thanks Kjeld, it has a lot that is fantastic, but the overall structure and legacy is definitely holding it back. A lot of it is vulgar, especially the expense and waste - both in terms of literal waste but also in the wasted opportunity of using all that talent for something that lasts.
You have put into words all my thoughts about all the large gardening shows although Chelsea in particular, so much waste of resources and talent. The idea of permanent community gardens with sustainability at their heart has to be the way forward - I hope your ideas will be taken up.
The more I discuss the idea here, the more it really does seem like a no-brainer.
Yes to all of that Jack! Thank you for putting it out here. Another point is that by creating and maintaining community gardens in places that really need them the presence of the RHS would be expanded enormously beyond it's current scope. Good for the cities, good for the RHS, good for nature, good for the planet. I'm wholeheartedly behind you.
That's a very good point, it would turn the charity into an even greater force for good, reaching more people. It certainly makes sense. I know they do have community and school outreach programmes already, but imagine the boost if all of them money, resource and investment of Chelsea and other shows merged with those programmes.
These are fabulous ideas and important points to consider! But what now? How will this be progressed? Are any of the 'powers that be' paying attention? Does this need more volume or maybe a sit down with the relevant decision makers to show these alternatives? How does this happen?
I'll send it into the RHS soon incorporating everyone's thoughts, though I know a number of people in the RHS read my newsletter too (from them telling me) so someone in the organisation has probably already seen it.
So agree with you Jack - when I think about how many community gardens I have worked with in areas of deprivation that have struggled to keep going on meagre short term charity funding and the obscene amounts squandered on what you describe, it is obscene. You have hit on something here!
The whole time I've visited, I've been aware of the privilege and excess but was dazzled by the show gardens and plants, which are made by talented growers and crafts people. I think largely because I have moved out of the London bubble, where we lived within walking distance of the show ground, I've stepped away from the excitement to see it from a afar and you're right - the talent of plants and craft are a tiny part of what is something much more obscene. I keep coming back to the word 'exclusion' in my head and I think of all the millions of people who are excluded because of their circumstance, and the wasted opportunity of all that money and talent. How the people involved are being steered to do something they don't really want to do - they want to make gardens and spaces for people to bring joy and food, gathering etc. I know many people in the RHS want that too - but everyone is tied by tradition and funding to cover the expense.
oh and one more thing, or one more bullet point on the list, as a suggestion: make it more open internationally, do more exchanges and cooperations with the gardening folks of the rest of the world. Britain is leading in gardening culture but only through its international influences and interchanges!
This is great, I like going to Chelsea but it also leaves me feeling very uncomfortable
Yes I like seeing the plants and gardens but I wish it wasn’t all in the setting it’s in.
The Scone Palace Garden show had 3 show gardens this year that will be there all year so we can see how they develop. I love this idea. The gardens were lovely and thought provoking but having this longevity really lets us see how they’ll change, just like ‘real’ gardens. Which I like rather than a bunch of plants put together at the precise time and stage that suits the designer instead of what would occur naturally. This takes away some of that artifice