GARDEN lovers are in for a treat as the Royal Horticultural Society’s world-famous springtime showpiece is back.
Tickets sold out ahead of opening day for the first time since before the pandemic, but fans can still watch the from their sofas.
David Beckham and designer Frances Tophill watching on as King Charles takes a sniff of a Sir David Beckham Rose Credit: AFP
This year the Chelsea Flower Show has its first ever sex-themed garden Credit: Alamy
When is Chelsea Flower Show 2026?
The 113th edition of the takes over the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in SW3 from Tuesday, May 19 until Saturday, May 23.
On Tuesday to Thursday it runs from 8am to 8pm, on Friday from 8am to 10pm, and on Saturday from 8am to 5.30pm.
The first two days are members-only, with the general public allowed in from Thursday onwards.
Around 145,000 visitors are expected through the gates over the week.
The (RHS) has not set one main theme for this year’s show, but innovation, nature, sustainability and future-facing design run through .
Naturalistic planting, edgelands, biodiversity and AI-assisted designs are all on show.
How can I watch Chelsea Flower Show on TV and live stream?
and share coverage, with all shows available to stream on iPlayer either live or after broadcast.
Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost kicked off with a launch special on BBC Two at 8pm on Sunday, May 17.
From Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22, Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell are presenting daytime coverage of the on BBC One from 2pm.
Monty Don fronts BBC Two’s coverage from 8pm each evening during the week, joined by Rachel de Thame and Arit Anderson.
A special programme airs on BBC One at 7pm on Friday, May 22, with Sophie Raworth, Adam Frost and .
An hour-long Saturday highlights show goes out on BBC Two at 8pm on May 23, with a final round-up on BBC One at 6.15pm on Sunday, May 24.
What is Chelsea in Bloom?
Anyone without a ticket can still enjoy Chelsea in Bloom – the free neighbourhood festival running from May 18 to May 24.
It is being staged around King’s Road, Sloane Street and the wider Chelsea area, with the theme “Out of this World”.
The cosmic-inspired theme will transform Chelsea into an intergalactic wonderland, with more than 125 shops, restaurants and hotels unveiling floral displays inspired by space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism.
What are the standout gardens at Chelsea Flower Show 2026?
The headline feature garden is the RHS and King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill and championed by , and .
Beckham’s famous number-seven shirt is nodded to with seven raised beds, while delphiniums – a favourite of the King – feature heavily.
Also causing a stir is – Chelsea’s first ever sex-themed garden, designed by multiple gold medallist James Whiting.
The Lovehoney-backed display in the Houseplant Studios section features heart-shaped blooms, suggestive sculptural plants, and even some sneaky sex toys hidden among the foliage.
Other big names include Tom Stuart-Smith’s The Tate Britain Garden,
Arit Anderson’s A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey, and Sarah Eberle’s The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden – On the Edge.
The RHS has also lifted its long-running gnome ban for just the second time ever.
Gnomes decorated by and Queen guitarist are being auctioned for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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