The Whittard of Chelsea Garden

The garden

Imagine a small London courtyard owned by a refined, maverick tea enthusiast. An eclectic mix of containers, each with a colourful patina, has been reclaimed and repurposed into charming planters. Together, they form a cosy seating area, enclosed by lush planting.

Celebrating 140 years of the simple, peaceful pleasure of enjoying a Whittard of Chelsea unique tea blend, this garden transforms a small Chelsea courtyard into a tranquil retreat. Here, nature, tea and wonder come together to create the perfect sanctuary – a place to pause, reflect and savour the moment.

The act of pouring tea holds deep cultural significance and is often considered an art form. The beauty and sound of the pour inspire the garden’s design, where a network of copper pipes winds through the space, mimicking this ritual with graceful streams of water that enhance the serene atmosphere.

Rich in fragrance and colour, the garden features many of the ingredients found in Whittard’s infusions. Just like Whittard of Chelsea, the garden celebrates the art of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Key plants

The garden is imagined as a sanctuary where the owner is experimenting with beautiful, rich and fragrant planting where many of the species can also be used to create different teas.

• Betula nigra (river birch): a nod to Whittard’s London roots, this pioneer tree thrives in urban spaces. Its soft-coloured trunk adds elegance, and its spring leaves are rich in vitamins, perfect for tea
• Aquilegia sp. (columbine): a vibrant spring flower in varied hues. Both its flowers and roots have herbal tea uses, offering natural health benefits
• Rosa ‘Our Beth’: a fragrant, light pink rose ideal for containers. Its petals and hips are traditionally used in infusions
• Camellia sinensis (tea plant): the source of black and green teas, this evergreen shrub is both ornamental and essential to the UK’s tea culture
• Saxifraga (London Pride Group) ‘Dentata’ (London pride): a resilient groundcover tied to London’s wartime history. Its name and presence celebrate regeneration and heritage

Plants supplier: Bernhard’s Nurseries, Peter Beales Roses

Sustainability notes

Nearly every material in this garden is reclaimed or repurposed, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The water feature, made from everyday copper piping, is a modular design that allows for creative flexibility and easy relocation after the show. The paving found is reclaimed Yorkstone, the gravel is made from recycled aggregates, and the walling brickwork is also reclaimed.

The designer – Ollie Pike

“I design spaces that do more than look beautiful – they aim to heal, comfort and connect people with nature. At Pike Studio, we dedicate half our time to “Landscapes for Change,” creating inclusive, meaningful environments for charities and local causes. Every project is rooted in story, place and purpose,” Ollie Pike.

Ollie studied Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield and graduated in 2020. Since then, Ollie has worked at different landscape design companies, and went on to set up his own practice of Pike Studio, in West Yorkshire, in 2023. Since then Ollie has gone on to be part of the prestigious RHS Young Designer Competition in 2023, and win an RHS Gold Medal, Best in Show and the RHS Environmental Innovation Award at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2024.

About the sponsor – Whittard of Chelsea

To mark its 140th anniversary in 2026, and returning to its roots, Whittard is sponsoring a container garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society celebrates the brand’s British heritage and longstanding values – craftsmanship, sustainability, and a deep appreciation for nature. The garden will serve as a living reflection of Whittard’s legacy, blending tradition with innovation as the brand continues to grow and connect with a global audience.

Garden legacy

This garden will be donated to a community centre. More details to follow.