The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an iconic event in the gardening world, showcasing the finest horticultural designs and innovative concepts year after year. The 2016 edition was no different, featuring a stunning array of gardens that pushed the boundaries of creativity and design. From tranquil retreats to bold, modern creations, the show brought together the best in garden artistry, all set against the backdrop of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
In this article, we’re diving into 31 of the most incredible garden designs from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a design lover, or simply looking for inspiration for your own outdoor space, these gardens offer a wealth of ideas to bring a touch of beauty and elegance to any garden.
Why the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a Garden Lover’s Dream
Before we get into the specifics of the 2016 gardens, let’s take a moment to appreciate why the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is so special. Known as one of the most prestigious garden events in the world, it has long been a platform for some of the most creative and groundbreaking garden designs. Each year, the event showcases not only traditional garden styles but also experimental and avant-garde designs that blend art with horticulture.
31 Stunning Garden Designs Featured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016
At the show, top designers, nurseries, and landscapers come together to display their latest creations. The gardens at Chelsea are renowned for their beauty, elegance, and innovation, making it an unmissable event for anyone interested in gardening and design.
1. The M&G Garden
Designed by Andy Sturgeon, this contemporary garden used bold, angular shapes and dramatic planting to create an urban retreat. A striking feature of this garden was the large, reflective water pool that added a sense of calm and tranquility.
2. The Telegraph Garden
Designed by Sarah Price, this garden celebrated the beauty of naturalistic planting and the British countryside. With wildflower meadows and soft, flowing grasses, it created a sense of effortless elegance.
3. The Royal Bank of Canada Garden
James Basson’s garden aimed to bring the Mediterranean to the UK, showcasing a beautiful blend of stone, planting, and water elements. It was a nod to the arid landscapes of Southern Europe, with a focus on drought-resistant plants.
4. The Laurent-Perrier Garden
Designed by Arne Maynard, this serene garden featured a contemporary twist on a traditional design, complete with a classic central lawn, a stunning water feature, and elegant plantings.
5. The Sentebale Garden
This garden, designed by Matt Keightley, was inspired by the charity Sentebale, which works with children in Africa. It was a stunning fusion of naturalistic design, featuring warm, earthy tones and a beautiful wooden structure.
6. The Veolia Environment Garden
A true showcase of sustainable gardening, this garden featured reclaimed materials and a focus on water conservation. With beautiful, low-maintenance planting, it was a stunning example of environmentally-friendly design.
7. The Chelsea Barracks Garden
Designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman, this garden had a regal touch, with strong architectural elements and lush, green planting. A beautiful centerpiece, a stone water feature, added a sense of tranquility.
8. The New York Garden
This garden, designed by Nigel Dunnett, was a nod to the famous New York urban spaces like Central Park. It featured sleek modern structures, grassy meadows, and urban planting that captured the spirit of the city.
9. The HSBC Water Garden
A beautiful water-centric design by Robert Myers, this garden featured calming water elements, including a large pond and a waterfall. With beautiful planting surrounding the water, it created a peaceful oasis.
10. The Great Pavilion
A highlight of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, The Great Pavilion showcased a stunning collection of plants, from exotic flowers to native varieties. It offered garden enthusiasts a chance to see the very best in plant cultivation.
11. The Barnsdale Garden
Designed by Geoff Hamilton’s son, Nick Hamilton, this garden celebrated the beauty of country gardens. With a strong emphasis on sustainable gardening practices, it featured mixed planting, a kitchen garden, and a natural water feature.
12. The Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden
This garden, designed by Dan Pearson, brought together a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. It featured a mix of wildflowers, lush planting, and striking sculptures, all set within a well-curated natural landscape.
13. The B&Q Garden
This garden, designed by Sarah Eberle, was a vibrant celebration of color and texture. It included a stunning variety of plants, from architectural grasses to bold floral displays.
14. The Highgrove Garden
Created by the Prince of Wales, the Highgrove Garden was a blend of whimsical charm and natural beauty. Featuring stunning herbaceous borders, topiary, and carefully placed sculptures, this garden exuded traditional English garden beauty.
15. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Garden
A peaceful and reflective garden, designed by Chris Beardshaw, it was an ode to Scotland’s natural landscapes. With native Scottish plants and bold, naturalistic planting schemes, it celebrated the beauty of the highlands.
16. The Brewin Dolphin Garden
Designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes, this contemporary garden combined natural stone, sleek architecture, and innovative planting to create a stylish and calming retreat.
17. The Sunbrella Garden
This garden, created by designer Amanda Waring, focused on creating an outdoor space that was both practical and beautiful. It featured comfortable seating, flowing water features, and an abundance of lush, green planting.
18. The Pavilion Garden
This garden, designed by Tony Woods, featured a beautiful modern pavilion and a sleek, minimalist design. With carefully chosen plants and architectural details, it created a chic and stylish outdoor space.
19. The RHS Garden
Created by the Royal Horticultural Society itself, this garden was a stunning display of beautiful and practical gardening. With a wide variety of plants and creative design elements, it demonstrated the versatility of modern gardens.
20. The Morgan Stanley Garden
A beautiful, peaceful retreat, this garden designed by Chris Beardshaw featured tranquil water elements, carefully chosen plantings, and a serene seating area to provide a space for reflection and relaxation.
21. The Jardin d’Roche Garden
Designed by Cleve West, this French-inspired garden featured a blend of rustic, natural elements and contemporary design. The use of stone, water, and plants created a harmonious atmosphere.
22. The Water Lilies Garden
This stunning garden, designed by Nigel Dunnett, celebrated the beauty of water lilies. With bold water features, vibrant planting, and sculptural elements, it created a peaceful, natural haven.
23. The Pizza Garden
A fun and inventive garden created by designers Tony and Jane Hall, this space was all about bringing people together through food. Featuring raised beds and easy access to homegrown vegetables, it was a perfect example of an edible garden.
24. The Courtyard Garden
This design by Mark Gregory was a stunning example of how to make the most of small spaces. Featuring contemporary materials, beautiful plantings, and clever design tricks, it demonstrated how even the smallest garden can feel spacious and stylish.
25. The Wild Garden
Designed by Sarah Price, this garden showcased the beauty of natural, wild planting. With native species, long grasses, and wildflowers, it was a celebration of the British countryside.
26. The Urban Rooftop Garden
A nod to the increasing trend of urban rooftop gardens, this space by designers Jamie and Richard Green was an inventive, modern design with a mix of plants, sleek furniture, and stylish planting beds.
27. The Sustainable Garden
Designed by Charlotte Harris, this garden featured sustainable design principles, including recycled materials, water management techniques, and drought-tolerant plants. It was a stunning example of how gardens can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
28. The Walled Garden
Designed by Mark Egan, this beautiful walled garden showcased traditional English design, complete with box hedging, topiary, and beautiful flowering plants. It was a perfect blend of classical beauty and functionality.
29. The Zen Garden
This calming design by Hamish Stuart focused on simplicity and serenity, with minimalist planting, rocks, and tranquil water features. It offered a space for meditation and reflection.
30. The Woodland Garden
Created by designer Sarah Price, this garden featured a mixture of native woodland plants, with dense planting, ferns, and a natural woodland pathway, providing a tranquil and relaxing space.
31. The Pollinator Garden
A celebration of the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems, this garden by designers Cleve West and Ann-Marie Powell was packed with plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other important insects.
Conclusion
The 2016 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity within the world of gardening. From traditional designs to contemporary innovations, the gardens featured at the show were a stunning reflection of the many ways we can connect with nature and transform our outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden or simply appreciate beautiful design, these 31 gardens offer endless ideas and insights into the art of gardening at its finest.
