This year's Chelsea Flower Show had an even stronger focus on rewilding alongside creating calming spaces promoting well-being which has been prevalent each year since the lockdown. Every single garden offered something special and unique but there were several design features that were echoed throughout, many of which can be implemented at home. Try these top 5 Chelsea Flower Show 2023 Gardening Trends today.

1. Grow Your Own

Growing your own food is one of the gardening trends that's on the rise. Many of the show gardens featured kitchen gardens, and there were also a number of trade stands dedicated to growing your own food.

One of the most popular kitchen gardens at the show was the Savills Garden, designed by Mark Gregory. The garden featured a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, as well as a fully functional kitchen. Visitors to the garden were able to see how the produce was grown and then prepared for a meal.

Another popular kitchen garden was the London Square Community Garden, designed by James Smith. The garden was designed to be a community space where people could come together to grow their own food.

Beige limestone paving surrounded by raised wooden planters filled with veg.

In addition to the show gardens, there were also a number of trade stands dedicated to growing your own food. Including Alitex's back-to-basics stand filled with crops grown from seed.

Get this year's Alitex Look by shopping our Lamb House Limestone which is featured all around the outside of their stand which this year not only won 5 gold stars but also won the 'best trade stand' award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

National Trust Lamb House Limestone

Or, why not explore our Kitchen Garden Range - perfect for creating winding rustic paths around raised planters or for living inside the greenhouse for an idyllic yet practical base.

National Trust Kitchen Garden Range
gardening trends grey brick pavers at chelsea flower show

2. Brick Pavers

Brick pavers were a popular choice for hardscaping in the show gardens at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show. The pavers were used to create paths, patios, and other features in a variety of gardens. Reclaimed brick pavers were used in the Eastern Eye garden pictured left in a rustic fashion, designed by Manoj Malde.

Brick pavers were also used at the Alitex stand as part of the working greenhouse, These specific brick pavers have now been reused in over 10 years of RHS shows. A great testament to our brick pavers' durability and versatility.

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3. Mindful Seating

Designers created seating areas that were designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

An example of mindful seating areas at the show was the Savills Garden. The mindful seating area was located in a quiet corner of the garden and featured comfortable seating, such as hammocks and bean bags along with a more formal dining for eating at.

The London Square Community Garden had mindful seating located in the centre of the garden and featured a variety of seating options, such as Adirondack chairs and benches.

The use of mindful seating at the Chelsea Flower Show showed that it is a trend that is here to stay. If you are looking for a way to add a touch of mindfulness to your garden, consider creating a mindful seating area. It is a great way to relax, reduce stress, and connect with nature.

balcony seatng area at chelsea lower show

Here are some tips for creating a mindful seating area in your garden:

  • Choose a location in your garden that is quiet and peaceful.
  • Use comfortable seating that is conducive to relaxation.
  • Add elements to your seating area that promote relaxation, such as water features, fountains, or plants.
  • Make sure that your seating area is well-maintained so that it is always inviting.

With a little planning, you can create a mindful seating area in your garden that will be a haven for relaxation and peace.

bug hotel bench leg at chelsea flower show 2023 gardening trends

4. Rewilding

One of the biggest gardening trends this year was rewilding and it's no surprise after last year's best-in-show winners highlighted the impact eco-engineers such as beavers can have on repairing our landscape.

Several show gardens featured rewilding elements, including:

  • The Royal Entomological Society
     designed by Tom Massey featured bug hotel walls, rammed earth floors, rubble and water to provide numerous habitats for insects.
  • The London Square Community Garden, designed by James Smith, featured a rewilded area with a pond, a wildflower meadow, and a native woodland.
  • The RSPCA Garden, designed by Martyn Wilson, featured a rewilded area with a hedgehog house, a bird bath, and a wildflower meadow.

Rewilding is a movement to restore nature to its natural state. It can be done in any size garden, and there are many ways to get started. Here are a few ideas to replicate this gardening trend:

  • Plant native plants: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and conditions, and they provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Create a wildlife pond: A wildlife pond is a great way to attract frogs, toads, dragonflies, and other creatures.
  • Leave some areas of your garden to go wild: Don't mow your lawn every week, and let some areas of your garden grow wild. This will provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals can harm wildlife, so it's best to use them sparingly, if at all.
  • Create a bug hotel - using bamboo, sticks, old bricks and wood piles, create a safe space for different insects to thrive. This in turn will help your garden too!

By incorporating rewilding principles into your garden, you can help to restore nature and improve the environment for both people and wildlife.

5. Water Features

Water features were used in a variety of gardens, including show gardens, sanctuary gardens, and balcony and container gardens.

In the show gardens, water features were used to create a sense of calm and tranquillity. They were also used to add interest and visual appeal. Some of the most popular water features in the show gardens included:

  • Fountains: Fountains are a classic water feature that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. They can also be used to create a relaxing soundscape.
  • Waterfalls: Waterfalls can add a touch of drama to any garden. They can also be used to create a cooling effect on hot days.
  • Ponds: Ponds are a great way to attract wildlife to your garden. They can also be used to create a focal point in your garden.
bowl like water featre filled with yellow and lilac petals.

In the sanctuary gardens, water features were used to create a sense of peace and wellbeing. They were also used to provide a place for visitors to relax and reflect. Some of the most popular garden trends water features in the sanctuary gardens included:

  • Birdbaths: Birdbaths are a great way to attract birds to your garden. They can also be used to provide a place for birds to bathe and drink.
  • Water troughs: Water troughs provide a place for wildlife to drink and bathe. They can also be used to add interest and visual appeal to your garden.
  • Rain chains: Rain chains are a traditional Japanese water feature that can be used to collect rainwater. They can also be used to add a touch of tranquillity to your garden.

Create a sense of calm, tranquillity and well-being while also aiding wildlife, providing a place to drink and bathe for many insects, birds and other critters with our Tudor Trough or Wildlife Table. Or take a look at our large range of garden paving, tiles, cobbles and brick pavers to create your own idyllic space today.

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