A floral first for Norfolk

KL MAGAZINE: What makes the upcoming RHS Sandringham show so special?

JENNY: It’s the first time we’ve brought an RHS show to East Anglia and we’re so excited to celebrate this beautiful part of the country through garden design and horticulture. Our five-day spectacle will feature 27 judged gardens and designed exhibits, three RHS feature gardens, 51 expert growers and nurseries, and 12 floristry creations alongside a host of community and family exhibits, shopping and talks. It’s also the first RHS show ever staged at a royal residence, with exciting new attractions, awards and experiences for visitors to enjoy.

KL MAGAZINE: Why has Sandringham been chosen to host a major RHS event?

JENNY: The invitation actually came from the Sandringham Estate, who asked us to bring one of our acclaimed shows to the royal grounds. Every RHS event is shaped by its location, and we loved the idea of connecting with people in a county celebrated for its beautiful countryside and strong sense of community. 

KL MAGAZINE: What goes into planning an event of this quality and scale?

JENNY: Planning begins a good 18 months in advance. We start by drawing inspiration from the location to shape the show’s themes, categories and key attractions, while also addressing logistics such as traffic, accessibility and visitor numbers. Applications for show gardens open about a year ahead, followed by a rigorous selection process. From there, the planning becomes incredibly detailed, with almost every department within the RHS getting involved to ensure every element is taken care of. 

KL MAGAZINE: How many gardens make it to the show and how are they selected?

JENNY: In total there will be around 50 gardens of different forms, including 4 Show Gardens, 4 Grow Forward Gardens, 3 RHS Feature Gardens, 19 Long Borders, 6 Community Cubes and 11 Upcycled Containers. Just getting into the event is an incredible achievement, particularly for show garden designers, whose applications are judged by an expert RHS panel. Growers and nurseries in the Floral Marquee are also carefully selected, and our skilled floral manager works with them to ensure their displays are at the top of their game.

KL MAGAZINE: Can you tell us about the garden the King has helped design for the show?

JENNY: The RHS Royal Legacy Garden has been brought to life by the award-winning designer Catherine MacDonald in collaboration with His Majesty. It’s a space inspired by patterns in nature, reflecting the King’s passion for trees and featuring many of his favourite plants. It uses Norfolk materials and celebrates traditional horticultural skills, while promoting biodiversity, which is a key theme of the whole show. It’s set to be a real highlight and will remain at Sandringham as a lasting feature of the estate’s public gardens.

KL MAGAZINE: What other special show gardens are you excited about?

JENNY: I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented designers over the past year, so I know there will be plenty of fabulous displays to enjoy. One that’s close to my heart is the Norfolk-inspired RHS Pollywiggle Garden, which celebrates the local landscape and encourages children to connect with nature.

The Butterfly Sanctuary Garden by Amanda Thomas is another beautiful creation, and I’m thrilled that high-profile names like Paul Hervey-Brookes will be showcasing exquisite designs. The standout space for me though has to be the Floral Marquee, and we’re lucky to have a wealth of skilled growers ready to fill it with wonder.

KL MAGAZINE: What makes the Floral Marquee so special?

JENNY: It’s a sensory experience like no other. You walk in and are instantly met with the fresh, fragrant scent drifting from the floral displays. There’s a lovely buzz as growers share expert tips and advice, and this year there’s even a café where visitors can enjoy delicious food and views. Over 50 growers and florists will be in attendance, each bringing their very best in the hope of winning an RHS medal.

KL MAGAZINE: What other attractions add to the experience?

JENNY: There’s something for everyone; it’s much more than a flower show, it’s a full day out. Alongside the gardens, there are several shopping markets filled with quality trade stands, a Great Taste Market and a variety of pop-up food outlets. The Delphinium Restaurant, named after one of His Majesty’s favourite flowers, will offer delicious dishes alongside Sandringham-inspired cocktails. Visitors can also enjoy talks from celebrity guests and experts, as well as family-friendly activities including face painting, games, trails and a playground garden. There will be demonstrations, interactive exhibits and even a Summer Fruit and Vegetable Competition.

KL MAGAZINE: What is unique about the Sandringham show compared with other RHS events?

JENNY: Its inclusivity really stands out. Entry is free for under 16s, and there’s plenty to engage all ages. We’re a nation of garden lovers, and we hope to inspire the next generation to connect with nature. That’s something both the RHS and His Majesty are passionate about.  There will also be two new awards given at the event, with the King selecting his favourite biodiversity exhibit and the Queen choosing her top upcycled container garden.

KL MAGAZINE: What experience do you want guests to have at the show?

JENNY: We want local gardeners, families and visitors to have a wonderful time and take something meaningful away. Whether it’s discovering a different plant, trying a new technique, or simply developing a deeper appreciation for nature, we hope it’s a truly memorable day. It’s going to be very special.

For more information on the RHS Sandringham Flower Show and to book tickets, visit rhs.org.uk.