In a unique collaboration blending royal patronage with contemporary environmental design, a new garden created with direct input from King Charles III will form the centrepiece of the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show this summer.
A Garden Built on Harmony and Natural Patterns
The RHS Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald, is explicitly inspired by the branching patterns found in nature, such as those of oak trees and ferns. This philosophy extends to its layout, where paths will guide visitors through a biodiverse planting scheme intended to showcase climate-resilient species and promote wildlife.
Ms MacDonald stated her hope that the garden will encourage visitors to observe nature’s intricate designs and make choices in their own outdoor spaces that “work with nature,” recognising everyone’s role in supporting biodiversity. The planting palette will feature vibrant Salvia and Nepeta in purples, yellows, and reds, alongside native yew and hornbeam for biodiversity, and more resilient species like “pride of India” and strawberry trees.
Continuing a Dynastic Royal Connection
The garden’s creation underscores a deep, historical link between the Royal Family and the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS received its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1861, and attendance at its shows, particularly Chelsea, has been a cherished tradition for generations of royals. Queen Elizabeth II was Patron of the RHS from 1952 until her death.
This “dynastic association” continues with King Charles III, who was announced as the new RHS Patron in 2024. His involvement in the Sandringham garden is a natural extension of his well-documented, five-decade advocacy for environmental causes and sustainable land management.
His Majesty’s environmental philosophy of “Harmony,” which views humanity as interconnected with nature, underpins the work of The King’s Foundation, which he founded in 1990. His personal commitment is evidenced by pioneering organic farming at Highgrove Estate, launching the Sustainable Markets Initiative to galvanise corporate climate action, and even converting his Aston Martin to run on bioethanol.
Showcasing Solutions for a Changing Climate
The RHS Sandringham Flower Show, running from 22 to 26 July, will have a strong focus on environmental solutions. It introduces a new category, “Grow Forward Gardens,” dedicated to ideas that mitigate the effects of climate change, aligning with the themes of the Royal Legacy Garden.
This emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience reflects major trends in contemporary garden design. These include naturalistic planting, which aims to create landscapes that appear as extensions of the natural world, and the emerging concept of “nature-drenching,” where plants are allowed to thoughtfully integrate with man-made structures.
Jenny Laville, RHS Sandringham show manager, highlighted the known positive impact of nature on wellbeing, which the inaugural show aims to celebrate. The RHS Royal Legacy Garden, born from a fusion of royal environmental passion and modern horticultural design, stands as a physical manifestation of the urgent need to garden in harmony with the natural world.
