King Charles’s passion for garden gnomes will see them return to the Chelsea Flower Show this May, marking just the second occasion in the event’s 113-year existence that the longstanding prohibition on these colourful ornaments has been relaxed.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s decision to permit the figurines at the Royal Hospital Grounds stems largely from the King’s well-known enthusiasm for them.
This represents a dramatic shift from 2009, when designer Jekka McVicar had to conceal her cherished gnome, named Borage, from show officials.
The monarch has championed organic horticulture for over four decades, and his personal connection to gnomes has helped drive this year’s policy change.
The Chelsea Flower Show have lifted their ban on garden gnomes
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At his Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove Gardens, the King maintains a playful tradition involving gnomes in the stumpery area of the grounds.
Melissa Simpson, head of horticulture at the King’s Foundation, has revealed that one particular gnome appears to have a life of its own.
“We’ve got a little gnome that seems to move around and I’m sure it’s the boss [the King], just to keep us on our feet,” she said.
This mischievous habit of relocating the ornament to unexpected spots suggests the monarch takes genuine delight in these whimsical garden companions.
King Charles is known for his love of gardening
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The RHS has assembled an impressive roster of famous faces to decorate gnomes for this year’s event, with Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, beloved baker Dame Mary Berry and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May among those participating.
Their hand-painted creations will feature prominently in the Curious Garden, a collaborative space developed by the RHS and the King’s Foundation.
Following the show, which runs from May 19 to 23, these bespoke designs will go under the hammer to benefit the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
The complete lineup of celebrity gnome artists will be revealed next month ahead of the event’s opening.
Frances Tophill, the horticulturist and author, has designed the Curious Garden with the aim of inspiring visitors to explore how plants contribute to planetary and human wellbeing.
Sir David Beckham contributed ideas to the space for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show
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Sir David Beckham, serving as a King’s Foundation ambassador, and gardening presenter Alan Titchmarsh have both contributed ideas to the space, which includes seven raised flower beds as a nod to the former England captain’s iconic shirt number.
RHS director general Clare Matterson emphasised the importance of encouraging a sense of fun in gardening: “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 schoolchildren and support our national Campaign for School Gardening.”