This Whimsical RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden Is a Must-See for Tea Lovers

We’re always on the lookout for small-space garden inspiration, and one design at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has already made our must-see list: British tea and coffee brand Whittard is celebrating its 140th anniversary with its first-ever Chelsea garden.

Led by award-winning landscape designer Ollie Pike, the garden has been imagined as a Chelsea townhouse courtyard belonging to an eccentric tea enthusiast – one who is never without a kettle on the boil, who blends their own infusions by day and retreats to the back of the garden by evening.

Expect a variety of featured plants often found in herbal teas – from peppermint and lemon balm to nettles, roses and birch. The colours, meanwhile, are said to be inspired by an array of global tea cultures.

As well as taking its inspiration from the smells and flavours of one of our country’s favourite beverages, ritual plays an important role in the garden design. Tea, here, is understood as a soothing meditative practice, reflected in calming water features and multi-sensory experiences.

Whittard

First look at Whittard’s debut garden

Sustainability also sits at the core of this design, with 95 per cent of materials recycled or reclaimed. Even beautiful Yorkstone paving – taken out as part of the redevelopment in and around Sloane Square – has been woven into the design of the garden. It brings an even stronger touch of Chelsea that is, quite literally, underfoot.

‘The brand’s heritage sits at the heart of this garden,’ says Ollie. ‘We imagined it as an old Chelsea courtyard and details like the water spouts are inspired by the ritual of pouring tea, while the materials and planting reflect an experimental, sustainable approach. It’s designed as a calm, green sanctuary where anyone can pause and enjoy a mindful cup of their favourite hot drink.’

Daniel Lynch/Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Founded in 1886, Whittard of Chelsea began when 17-year-old Walter Whittard left his family’s leather business to work for a London tea trader. Just eight years later, he opened his own shop on Fleet Street, selling tea, coffee and hot chocolate. This year, the brand celebrates 140 years in business, marking the milestone with a debut garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

Whittard Tea Discoveries A Taste of Tea

‘Creating spaces where people feel something – whether that’s calm, curiosity or connection – is incredibly rewarding,’ says designer Ollie, who studied Landscape Architecture at university before being selected for the RHS Young Designer Competition at the age of 23. ‘This garden is about celebrating ritual, experimentation and sanctuary, which feels like a perfect fit for Whittard.’

• RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 returns from 19th-23rd May. For tickets visit rhs.org.uk.

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