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Editor’s Pick of the Pavilion

The Great Pavilion is home to a world of wonder. Take a look at my pick of some of the stand-out exhibits in the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

One of my many favourite moments at RHS Chelsea is the first time I walk into the Great Pavilion – the scent that hits you is truly intoxicating. Every single exhibit in this magnificent marquee, as I fondly call it, is award-winning and there is something for everyone, from mountainous exotics to the teensiest of alpines, lush green hostas to bold-as-brass begonias. Here are just a few of the displays that caught my eye. 

A shot of colour

Vivacious colour strikes a pose on the Jacques Amand International Ltd display
Hippeastrum and Gloriosa on the display by Chelsea regulars, Jacques Amand International Ltd, drew me to the far corner of the Pavilion with their striking colours. Jacques arrived from the Netherlands in 1927 and set up shop on the Strand in London.

Monumental!

RHS x UBS: Moments of Reflection
Designed by Max Parker-Smith and sponsored by UBS, the space around The Monument is inspired by the grounding effect of a walk in nature. Majestic trees tower to meet the stone monolith that is a permanent fixture of the Chelsea showground. Visitors enjoyed being able to sit and enjoy a view from inside out, with the calming effect of water beside them. This installation was a collaboration of four expert nurseries – Kevock Garden Plants, GreenJJam Nurseries, Lincolnshire Pond Plants and Dibleys Houseplants – with additional trees, topiary and herbaceous planting from Hortus Loci.

Extraordinary orchid history

Orchid mania on the Ministry of Botany display
This display has all sorts of quirky orchid artefacts and memorabilia, and was causing a stir among the orchid-lovers of the Pavilion. Orchid Obsession: A Love Through Time by The Ministry of Botany explores the complex relationship between humans and orchids through history – from colonial exploitation to conservation challenges.

She grows some colourful veg

A vision in red ...
...and in yellow
She Grows Veg, have quickly become firm favourites at the RHS Shows with their bright and interesting displays of heritage veg varieties and extensive knowledge of crops to grow. The circular display drew a crowd, with its rainbow of crops in tip-top condition – quite incredible!

Fern-tastic

Kells Bay Gardens brought a forest of ferns to the Pavilion
Living in temperate West Cornwall, I am a fern-lover – they dominate the landscape of my home and I am very lucky to have a small tree fern in my own garden. All ferns are wonderful, textural plants that ooze ancient and mystical history, and are such easy plants to grow. Nothing beats those unfurling fronds in spring and the Kells Bay Garden really stood out in the Pavilion.

Miniature gardens at RHS Chelsea

A lot of scratching of heads at the AGS show in miniature
The Dog Garden, in petite form, on the Hardy Alpines display
Finally, I just couldn’t resist this cute display by the Alpine Garden Society, who have created tiny scenes with figures and alpines. So creative and a little bit of fun, bringing these small treasures to the fore. Brilliant!

About the author - Natalie Ashbee

Natalie grew up on an arable farm in North Cornwall. She was a teacher, then started a gardening business, moving into garden and planting design and worked as a horticulturist for garden TV programmes. She now lives and gardens in West Cornwall.

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Star plants seen at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Star plants seen at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Design ideas to take home from RHS Chelsea

Design ideas to take home from RHS Chelsea

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