Events
RHS flower shows
Information for exhibitors
The jewels in the crown of any major RHS event are the gardens. The physical creation of a garden is staged to educate and inspire visitors, whether 'traditional' (in that they could be reproduced in a conventional setting) or 'theatrical' (in that they are not intended to be gardens in the 'real' sense, but more a fantasy or 'stage set'). The concept/theme can be as innovative or ambitious as the sponsor or designer’s imagination, whether executed in a traditional or contemporary style.
Malvern Spring Gardening Show
Show gardens: Taking place in early May these gardens provide an opportunity to display early season planting. The gardens can be variable in size with a minimum of 24 sq m to a maximum of 250 sq m. All gardens are constructed on level sites.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Show gardens: These range in size from 10m x 10m to a maximum of 23m x 10m. There is strong competition for space at Chelsea and exhibitors should be able to demonstrate previous experience of staging gardens.
Small gardens: These provide an excellent platform for landscape contractors/architects, colleges/students, nurseries, garden designers and potential show garden exhibitors not currently in a position to stage a full scale show garden. There are four categories:
Chic gardens: (4.5m frontage x 5m depth). Stylish and possibly controversial, these spaces will be striking and bold.
City gardens: (4.5m frontage x 5m depth). These gardens should represent urban gardens (or roof gardens), which are designed for modern living, entertaining and a busy lifestyle.
Courtyard gardens: (4.5m frontage x 4m depth). These gardens should present designs suitable for small spaces located in a rural or semi-rural setting.
Roof gardens: (lilac form) 5m frontage x 5m depth. These urban gardens should show innovative uses of a small hard-floored roof area which is likely to be obstructed by chimneys, vents etc.
BBC Gardeners’ World Live
Show gardens: These are sited outside (with an approximate minimum size of 56 sq m).
Façade gardens & small gardens: These are 5m x 5m outdoor gardens. Façade gardens are backed by a purpose-built facade.
Show features: These are major exhibits of high horticultural content, which do not represent a garden (not judged for RHS medals but eligible for a BBC Gardeners’ World Live award). These can be staged within the NEC exhibition halls or in the outside areas.
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Show gardens: These are sited outside (with an approximate minimum size of 80 sq m).
Water gardens: While a show garden may incorporate pools, fountains or waterfalls, water or water features should be the principal component built within the garden or natural setting of a water garden (approximate minimum size 80 sq m).
Small gardens: (usually 5m frontage x 4.5m depth). Small gardens can represent either a complete garden or an element of a larger garden design. They offer an opportunity for those involved in the landscape and horticultural industry to design and create a garden setting on a smaller scale and provide an excellent platform for exhibitors not currently in a position to stage a full scale show garden.
Conceptual gardens: (usually 6m x 4m). New in 2006, this section aims to encourage exhibitors to challenge the boundaries of garden design and express a level of innovation and creativity not always suitable within other garden categories. It is open to recently qualified or current students of garden design subject to a (fixed) sponsored budget.
Show features: These are major exhibits of high horticultural content, which do not represent a garden (not judged for RHS medals).
RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park
Show gardens: These are sited outside, with an approximate minimum size of 80 sq m and a maximum size of 225 sq m.
Back to back gardens: These smaller gardens (measuring a standard 6m x 4m) provide an excellent platform for potential show garden exhibitors not currently in a position to stage a full scale show garden to demonstrate the wealth of opportunities afforded within a garden environment.
Show features: These are major exhibits of high horticultural content, which do not represent a garden (not judged for RHS medals).
Please note that all space allocated for your garden at these events is free of charge, as we would prefer you to invest the funds into the content of your display. Separate promotional activity adjacent to the garden will vary from event to event, so please contact the relevant Show Manager for specific details.
Please note: details may change and will need to be checked with the relevant Show Manager.
Should you wish to discuss this further or have any queries, please telephone the relevant Show Manager/the Assistant concerned as follows:
Malvern Spring Gardening Show
01684 584900
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
020 7821 3333
exhibitorapplications@rhs.org.uk
BBC Gardeners’ World Live
020 7821 3345
exhibitorapplications@rhs.org.uk
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
020 7821 3332
exhibitorapplications@rhs.org.uk
RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park
020 7821 3335
exhibitorapplications@rhs.org.uk