A garden will be created for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from May 19 to May 23 in 2026 by horticulturist, author, and TV presenter Frances Tophill and will encourage the nation to explore the joys of gardening and the vital role of plants.
Sir David, an ambassador for The King’s Foundation and a resident in the Cotswolds, will work alongside fellow ambassador Alan Titchmarsh and hopes the project will spark curiosity and enthusiasm for gardening across the UK.
Sir David said: “My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents.
“I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
“I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.”
The King’s Foundation, established by King Charles III in 1990, promotes sustainable communities and hands-on education, with a strong emphasis on learning through nature.
The Curious Garden will be filled with practical ideas for growing more plants and creating green spaces, whether on a windowsill, in containers, or in private gardens.
Frances Tophill said: “I’m thrilled to be working with everyone involved to bring my first Chelsea garden to life and really explore my own curiosity about plants and their vital role in bringing health to people and to planet.”
Garden apprentices and trainees from both The King’s Foundation’s gardens and the RHS will be invited to be involved with the project, which will also celebrate the specialist traditional skills of The King’s Foundation students and graduates around woodwork and other craftmanship.
Mr Titchmarsh said: “Aside from celebrating the real joy that gardening brings to our lives, we will be highlighting how simply growing more plants helps mitigate both the biodiversity and climate crises and, therefore, why gardeners, from enthusiastic new gardeners to incredible skilled horticulturists, are more important today than ever.”
The final location for the garden after the show will be revealed in 2026, with plans to place it in an urban setting for young adults.
The full garden design will be unveiled early next year.
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