The first Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) flower show at a royal residence opened this week at Sandringham, the Norfolk estate of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The event runs until July 26 and features show gardens, talks, and one-off exhibits, including long borders and upcycled containers.
A key attraction is the RHS Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald to honor the King’s environmental work and his support for skilled gardeners. The space reflects his long-standing focus on sustainable practices, a theme repeated across the event.
Royal involvement and charitable highlights
The King and Queen took part in the show, selecting and presenting awards. Queen Camilla chose the winner of the Upcycled Containers category, which went to The Pollinator Patch by Whissonsett and District Horticultural Society and Gardening Club. She also awarded The Queen Bee by Ingoldisthorpe Church of England Primary School with The Queen’s Special Award.
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King Charles presented the Biodiversity Award to The Mindful Chef’s Gathering garden by Sophie Godber, which also earned a gold medal. The design, modeled after traditional orchards, creates habitats for pollinators and wildlife. The King’s florist, Shane Connolly, contributed a floral tablescape titled A Royal Dinner in the Garden, using only plants from the Sandringham estate.
Student work and biodiversity focus
A unique aspect of RHS Sandringham is its long border competition, uncommon at other RHS shows. Horticultural students and new designers created plots that solve problems while supporting wildlife and reflecting Norfolk’s surroundings. Three long borders earned gold medals, including Growing with Many Hands by Mattie O’Callaghan and The Habitat Garden by Jonathan Mitchell and Katy Haywood Smith.
The Tough as Old Boots Garden by Zac Willitts and James Horne won Best Long Border with a gold medal. It demonstrates how small or unusual spaces can flourish with the right techniques.
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The importance of biodiversity in garden design is in focus at RHS Sandringham, with visitors able to spot biodiverse planting schemes across the showground, particularly in the Grow Forward gardens, which showcase ways to improve settings and help mitigate against climate change.
Sensory and inclusive gardening
The RNIB Talking Books Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes stood out, winning Best Show Garden, Best Construction Award and a gold medal. The design celebrates the RNIB’s free Talking Books service for people with sight loss, incorporating textures and sensory features for visitors.
The event continues until Friday, blending tradition with new ideas. From royal participation to sustainability and student designs, RHS Sandringham highlights how gardening is evolving.
