RHS Sandringham Flower Show has opened at the King’s estate in Norfolk, running from 22nd to 26 July. The event features show gardens, talks, and one-off exhibits like long borders and upcycled containers. With the show taking place at a royal residence for the first time, organizers have incorporated tributes to HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla throughout the grounds.
Themes of legacy and biodiversity
One of the most publicized elements is the RHS Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald. The feature garden celebrates the King’s horticultural legacy, his pioneering environmental approach, and his advocacy for skilled gardeners. HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla also presented awards at the show, including The Queen’s Choice of Upcycled Containers and The Queen’s Special Award.
The importance of biodiversity in garden design is also in focus. The Mindful Chef’s Gathering garden, inspired by a traditional orchard, earned The King’s Biodiversity Award and a gold medal. Its naturalistic and edible planting emphasizes creating habitats that support pollinators, birds, and insects. Visitors will also spot plenty of other biodiverse planting schemes across the showground, particularly in the Grow Forward gardens, which showcase ways to improve settings and help mitigate against climate change.
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One section of the showground focuses on long borders, a feature less common at other flower shows. These problem-solving designs are created by horticultural students and aspiring garden designers and demonstrate wildlife-supporting schemes with a nod to Norfolk’s setting and the restorative aspect of green spaces. Three long borders won a Gold medal, including Mattie O’Callaghan’s Growing with Many Hands, which celebrates the work of gardeners, and naturalistic meadow border The Habitat Garden by Jonathan Mitchell and Katy Haywood Smith. The Tough as Old Boots Garden by Zac Willitts and James Horne was named Best Long Border with a Gold medal, aiming to surprise people about what can grow in an urban setting.
It is a subtle shift for many visitors to see these conservation themes played out in a space that traditionally emphasizes ornamental beauty. For the average gardener, the practical takeaway is that high-end design need not sacrifice functionality; the most striking displays often rely on native species that thrive without constant intervention.
