For the first time, children will be asked to judge RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens, for the RHS Children’s Choice Award. Speaking at the RHS Spring Press conference in London, Clare Matterson, RHS Director General explained that the gardens will be judged according to criteria such as being attractive to wildlife and providing a good place to play for children.
Another RHS Chelsea first, as in addition to judging, the ‘No Adults Allowed Garden‘ is being designed and made by children, for children – to highlight the importance of access to nature for children. The garden was inspired by the RHS children’s picnic, held at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower, attended by the Duchess of Cambridge. Pupils from Sulivan Primary School in London are working alongside designer Harry Holding to create the garden for this year’s show.
The RHS has also announced today that they will provide approximately £3 million to 488 nurseries, schools and colleges in areas with distinct lack of nature – to help make school sites greener, and nurture our future gardeners.