RHS lifts gnome ban at RHS Chelsea 2026
The RHS is lifting the ban on gnomes at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, to raise funds for the next generation of gardeners
For the second time in the history of the world’s most famous gardening event, the gnome ban at RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be lifted by the RHS to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. We want people to be playful with their gardening, which is why we’re lifting the gnome ban for these celebrity gnomes
The RHS is inviting celebrities to decorate gnomes to feature at the 2026 show, which will then be auctioned off to raise funds for the next generation of gardeners. The RHS’ flagship Campaign for School Gardening inspires school children to learn through gardening to boost pupils’ wellbeing, skills and environmental awareness.
The initiative will be celebrated in The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, encouraging everyone to be curious and have fun gardening. The appearance of a gnome or two in the Curious Garden (and elsewhere at the show) will reflect and celebrate a tradition at Highgrove Garden, The King’s residence in Gloucestershire, where a gnome is often to be found in the Stumpery (see video below).
The colourful gnomes brought a sense of fun to the RHS Chelsea show in 2013
The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden is designed by horticulturist, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill. Joining Frances on her journey to create the garden are The King’s Foundation Ambassador, Sir David Beckham, and The King’s Foundation and RHS Ambassador, Alan Titchmarsh CBE.
The RHS, the UK’s gardening charity, last lifted the gnome ban to celebrate the centenary of RHS Chelsea, the RHS’ biggest fundraiser, and raise funds to get more children gardening in schools. Celebrities who painted gnomes at the 2013 Show to raise funds for the next generation of gardeners included Sir Elton John, Dame Mary Berry, Lilly Allen and Joanna Lumley.
The celebrity gnomes caused quite a stir amongst the Press in 2013
Director General, Clare Matterson, says: “We’ve never needed the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of simply sitting in a garden, more. That’s why we’ve joined forces with The King’s Foundation to encourage the nation to get curious about gardening, be that as a horticultural career, a hobby, a way to fight the climate crisis, to support wildlife or simply enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of our labours flourish and grow.
“We also want people to be playful with their gardening, which is why we’re lifting the gnome ban for these celebrity gnomes, who will then, by being auctioned off, help us do even more to awaken a curiosity in gardening in school children and support our national Campaign for School Gardening. Gardening in schools increases resilience, builds confidence, encourages curiosity and gives access to nature – it’s a vital resource that every school should have access to.”
