Sonja Kalkschmidt

Meet the designer of the Sanctum Garden at RHS Chelsea 2024

Sonja Kalkschmidt

Sonja Kalkschmidt

Sonja’s transition from architecture to garden design was a natural evolution. With a background in creating static architectural environments, she developed an appreciation for the interaction between buildings and the natural landscape, and the people who interact in these spaces. This guided her to garden design, where she could explore the balance between the rigid structures of architecture and the fluid, ever-changing world of plants.

See the Sanctum Garden

Sonja is captivated by how plants can soften the harsh lines of buildings. Her passion is fuelled by the ever-evolving nature of plants and the beauty of changing seasons.

Sonja says:  “RHS Chelsea is a platform to present and rise awareness for innovative solutions of ongoing challenges, the joy of collaborating with renowned experts in horticulture, and offers the excitement of building and showcasing gardens to a large, diverse audience. The main decision to do a, RHS Chelsea Show garden this year was my 50th Birthday, to ensure a memorable and exciting year.”

Sonja’s tops for container gardens

  • Use the largest planters you can get to retain moisture.
  • Larger planters allow the freedom to use larger plants or trees that give instant impact and volume.
  • Attach vertical structures to planters to provide height for climbers.


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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.