The infamous gnome ban is being lifted once again at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
This May, gnomes will make a rare appearance in The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill — a decision inspired by a tradition started by King Charles III himself.
At Highgrove Gardens — the King’s private residence in Gloucestershire — the humble gnome has long been part of the landscape. Melissa Simpson, head of horticulture at The King’s Foundation, recalls how one particular figure is often spotted in the stumpery… though not always in the same place.
‘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,’ Melissa told Frances.
Announced at the RHS Spring conference at Lindley Hall in London, the gnome ban is being lifted by the Royal Horticultural Society to raise funds for RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
RHS/Oliver Dixon
King Charles III has inspired the lifting of the gnome ban
But as if lifting the gnome ban wasn’t headline-worthy enough, a host of celebrities have also been enlisted to decorate these miniature figures for the 2026 show.
Cate Blanchett, Dame Mary Berry, Sir Brian May and Baroness Floella Benjamin are among those putting their own spin on the classic garden ornament, with each bespoke gnome set to be displayed at RHS Chelsea 2026. After the show, the designs will be auctioned to raise funds for the next generation of gardeners.
While gnomes have occasionally popped up at Chelsea — with sightings on gardens and displays as far back as 2009 — they have long been officially prohibited. And this isn’t the first time the rules have been relaxed: the ban was notably lifted once before, in 2013, to mark the show’s centenary.
Dan Kitwood//Getty Images
Gnomes spotted in 2009
Justin Goff Photos//Getty Images
Gnomes at RHS Chelsea in 2013
For The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, Frances will be joined throughout the design process by The King’s Foundation Ambassador, Sir David Beckham, and RHS and The King’s Foundation Ambassador, Alan Titchmarsh CBE.
Olivia Heath
Frances talking about her RHS Chelsea 2026 garden
‘We’ve never needed the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of simply sitting in a garden, more,’ says Director General, Clare Matterson. ‘That’s why we’ve joined forces with The King’s Foundation to encourage the nation to get curious about gardening, be that as a horticultural career, a hobby, a way to fight the climate crisis, to support wildlife or simply enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of our labours flourish and grow.
‘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.’
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 returns from 19th-23rd May. For tickets visit rhs.org.uk.
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