Chelsea Flower Show has confirmed a major change for just the second time in its entire 113-year history.
Britain’s most prestigious floral event plans to cede its stringent rules and has lifted its ban on gnomes for the 2026 event, set to take place between May 19 to 23.
Now, a list of famous faces are set to decorate gnomes which will feature – and then will be auctioned off – to raise money for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Dame Mary Berry, Cate Blanchett and Sir Brian May are all set to take part in the charity event.
Director General of the RHS Clare Matterson said: “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 school children and support our national campaign for school gardening.
“Gardening in schools increases resilience, builds confidence, encourages curiosity and gives access to nature – it’s a vital resource that every school should have access to.”
Back in 2013, the ban on gnomes was lifted for the very same purpose. The unprecedented change was made in a bid to boost funds and encourage more youngsters to give gardening a go.
It has been confirmed that one gnome will reside in The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, which has been co-designed by broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, RHS designer Frances Tophill and Sir David Beckham.
Delphiniums will be a key feature of the design due to King Charles’ love for the colourful plants, as well as a beehive to show off Sir David and the King’s adoration for beekeeping.
But the site will also feature a vegetable garden to show off the functional side of gardening too.
It has been well-known for years that the King has a particular affinity for the rogue garden ornaments.
The monarch also has a playful tendency to move such a figurine around his Cotswolds estate in the grounds of the Stumpery at Highgrove in Gloucestershire to “keep staff on their toes”.
The ban was previously lifted in 2013
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RHS
Melissa Simpson, head of horticulture at the King’s Foundation, previously 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.
The ban on the garden gnome for the prestigious event was last lifted to celebrate the centenary of RHS Chelsea, which is the largest fundraiser for the Society.
The 2013 Flower Show saw plentiful celebrities taking part in gnome-themed activities, including Sir Elton John, Dame Mary Berry, Lilly Allen and Joanna Lumley.
While the RHS has teased which celebrities are set to appear at this year’s show, the charity has said it will announce the full line-up closer to the time.
Their hand-painted creations will take centre stage in the Curious Garden, which will be a space developed by both the RHS and the King’s Foundation.
After the show, the celebrities’ bespoke designs will go under the hammer to support the cause for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Held since 1912, some 157,000 visitors attend the floral event of the year which takes place in the heart of Chelsea, in west London.