The RHS have announced plans to hold a Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, following the cancelation of their regular gardening event.
It is the first time Chelsea has been cancelled since the Second World War.
SeeThe RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020 has been cancelled
Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, explains in an open letter online: 'We celebrate our great horticultural industry and gardening heritage with ‘press day’ being Monday 18 May 2020 and the Virtual Show running from Tuesday 19 May to Saturday 23 May.'
'As you can imagine we’re at the early stages of planning this, so more details will be announced in coming weeks,' says Sue. 'We cannot create the actual show at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, but we are looking at what we can do on our RHS website and other platforms for people to enjoy and to share the joy of gardening. We will of course be asking for the ideas and involvement of growers, nurseries, designers, landscapers and tradestands too and look forward to sharing ideas very soon.'
'All of us here at the RHS have been extremely touched and moved by all the support, kindness and offers for help from the horticultural industry, our members, volunteers, show visitors, the BBC and so many more following the sad cancellation of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and our other shows and garden events until 30 June.'
'When so many people, businesses, charities and everyone in the horticultural industry are going through such tough and challenging times, we are even more grateful for this support and people taking time to get in touch. Which is why I wanted to write this note and thank you all – it has meant so much to all of us who have the honour and joy of creating this world famous gardening show.'
SeeRHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 winners: all the Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze medal gardens
While we might not be able to attend the Chelsea Flower Show in person this year, the virtual show means we can still marvel at all that the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has to offer from the comfort of our homes.
-
The exterior gives uber modern, but the interiors are all about country charm – here's how the designers turned a new build into a home that feels like it has historyThe brief was a new build home that didn't feel like a new build home
-
The smartest people I know only buy furniture that's multi-functional – Martha Stewart designed an ottoman that embodies this ideologyCity living makes you strategic with every inch of space – thankfully, Martha makes it simpler with an essential furnishing that's under $303
-
The balcony gardens at this year's Chelsea Flower Show showcased a new wave of possibilities for urban spaces – here are the key trends I spottedWhat Chelsea Flower Show 2025 balconies tell us - the aesthetic and ecological shifts driving the new garden frontier
-
Can you plant wildflowers and perennials together? This Chelsea Flower Show grower says yes – and it's easier to maintain than you might thinkKent Wildflower Seeds won Gold for showing how to blend the natural landscape with curated planting
-
5 climate-resilient crops all gardeners will soon be growing – as I discovered when exploring the Garden of the Future at Chelsea Flower Show 2025These crops may become more common in future vegetable gardens as a result of climate change
-
How to harness color therapy in your yard – Chelsea Flower Show designer says to grow these 3 plants for a wellbeing boostThe MS Amlin Peace of Mind Garden's kaleidoscope of color illustrates how different plants can influence how we feel
-
The Glasshouse Garden at Chelsea Flower Show is a masterclass in bold, meaningful color – I predict this combination will be everywhere in 2026The rich, jewel tones within Jo Thompson's planting palette symbolise strength and resilience
-
I spoke to the trees at the AI-powered garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show – and I'm convinced this tech can revolutionize gardening in a changing climateWhat you can learn from talking to trees
-
This quietly radical garden tells a story of homelessness, healing and hope – I think it's the most important design at this year's Chelsea Flower ShowThe Pathway Garden showcases the healing power of horticulture
-
I'm hopping on these 5 eye-catching houseplant trends after being wowed by them at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025 – they're all easy to recreate at homeThis year's Houseplant Studios are bursting with fresh ideas to take your indoor garden to the next level
