Three royal highlights at RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026

The RHS Royal Legacy Garden

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

native

The RHS Royal Legacy Garden‚ designed by Catherine MacDonald in collaboration with the King

The King’s

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

Biodiversity Award 

This brand-new royal prize will be awarded to the exhibit that best champions wildlife and nature-friendly gardening. The winner will be selected by The King himself from a shortlist of three finalists chosen by an expert judging panel‚ comprising wildlife gardening writer Kate Bradbury, RHS Head of Plant Health Dr Andrew Salisbury and RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist Helen Bostock.

The first award of its kind at an RHS Show, it recognises designs that combine outstanding horticultural practice with a commitment to biodiversity. It celebrates exhibits that help visitors understand the importance of creating wildlife-friendly spaces, whatever the size of their garden. The award is open to all judged gardens, non-RHS features, Community Cubes, Long Borders and Floral Marquee exhibits.

Entries will be assessed against a wide range of biodiversity criteria. Judges will consider whether exhibits provide food, shelter and water sources for wildlife, as well as how planting schemes and material choices support ecosystems and encourage a diversity of species. Seasonality, sustainable management practices and educational value will also be taken into account, alongside the ways in which exhibitors engage visitors and involve local communities in the design process.

© Millie Pilkington

A lifelong advocate for nature and the environment, the King will choose the winner of the first ever King’s Biodiversity Award at an RHS Show

Tablescapes

World-renowned florist Shane Connolly heads up the romantic tablescapes in the Floral Marquee. Best known for his work on royal weddings and the Coronation of King Charles III‚ he has styled these tables with flowers, candles, vessels and other decorative elements to create deliciously extravagant scenes. In his A Royal Dinner in the Garden, Shane will use plant material from Sandringham’s gardens.

Shane Connolly, celebrated for his work on royal occasions, with the 6.4m (21ft) floral arch he designed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016