RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The Boodles Garden
The Boodles Garden
In association with Historic Royal Palaces
The Boodles Garden
Celebrating Historic Royal Palaces, The Boodles Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, designed by Catherine MacDonald, draws inspiration from historic royal landmarks, in particular Hampton Court Palace, Kew Palace and the Tower of London. The garden is a retreat for history lovers, rich in details influenced by classic features and materials found within the palaces. With a layout inspired by a plan of the Tower of London, the garden features light-coloured limestone paving reminiscent of the iconic ‘White Tower’ and architectural features found at Hampton Court Palace. An unbroken rill that nods to the Tower’s famous moat adds a timeless playfulness and a central, bespoke pavilion, references the decorative ceiling of the Picnic Room in Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, Kew Palace.
Discover Chelsea Flower Show
“Boodles has been involved with RHS Chelsea Flower Show for five years now, and going into our sixth year. RHS Chelsea is one of my favourite weeks of the year, and I look forward to it for the previous twelve months. But the excitement starts even earlier as Catherine and I plan the next garden, usually from 18 months out. We are seriously excited about our next offering, and hugely grateful to Historic Royal Palaces for all their support in creating a really special RHS Chelsea garden. Boodles are collaborating with Historic Royal Palaces and will also be launching a new jewellery collection inspired by classic features and hidden details at these historic palaces.”
James Amos, Managing Director at Boodles
The planting palette is rich, bold and luxurious. Shades of purple evoke the iridescent
feathers of the Tower’s iconic ravens and the plum hues of grapes from Hampton Court’s
Great Vine. Deep red tones reference the Damask wallpaper found at both Hampton Court
and Kensington Palaces.
The cottage, in the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, was built around 1771 for Queen Charlotte. It was used as a rustic retreat for the royal family, where they could enjoy picnics or take tea during the summer months
At the heart of the garden, a continuous rill represents the Tower of London’s historic moat. A central, asymmetrical pavilion, inspired by the decorative floral ceiling, believed to be painted by Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Queen Charlotte, at Kew Palace, provides a welcoming space for a family picnic.
The garden reflects a popular romantic, gardenesque style of planting, using cultivated species with a strong emphasis on the jewel colours, red and purple associated with luxury and royalty.
Credit © Historic Royal Palaces. Photograph: James Brittain
Key plants
Iris ‘Superstition’
Chosen for their bold, eye-catching colour and striking form
Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’
A cow parsley variety with dark, purple-toned leaves, adding texture and depth
Salvia ‘Nachtvlinder’
Features small, delicately scented leaves and velvety purple flowers
Paeonia ‘Buckeye Belle’
A beautiful scarlet-red peony, representing the red of the Damask wallpaper at Kensington and Hampton Court Palaces
Taxus baccata
The dominant structural plant in the garden. This dark-leaved evergreen, native to the UK, is steeped in legend and historically used for topiary in many classic British estates and Historic Royal Palace gardens
The Designer ~ Catherine MacDonald
“I’m delighted to be celebrating my third year at RHS Chelsea with Boodles, presenting a garden inspired by some of the UK’s most iconic and historically significant sites. This incredible opportunity has allowed me to delve into the world of Historic Royal Palaces, immersing myself in the richness of our cultural heritage and drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and artistry that have shaped our architecture, landscapes, and interiors over the centuries. It’s a joy to highlight the enduring legacy of the artisans and craftsmen whose skills and creativity continue to inspire and influence design today,” Catherine MacDonald, Principle Landform Garden Designer
Sustainability and Legacy
Including native trees, hedges and Yew topiary, synonymous with Historic Royal Palaces’ gardens, and custom-designed wildlife habitats, inspired by details and features of the palaces, are extremely valuable for providing essential food and shelter for birds, pollinators
and other insects year round. A metal rill encircles the central entertaining area and channels water in a gentle cascade alongside the garden steps, creating atmospheric sounds. The rill feature demonstrates a possible aid or mechanism for capturing and storing
rainwater for future use without compromising on aesthetics. The garden paths and paving areas have a recycled, permeable sub-base and grout to allow for SuDs compliant drainage and rendered garden walls will be formed from a Medite wood product, made from sustainable FSC certified timber.
Relocation of the garden will be sponsored by Boodles. Catherine and Boodles will be working closely with the Historic Royal Palaces’ team to ensure that the redesigned gardens work in their new environments.
Relocation of the garden will be sponsored by Boodles. Catherine and Boodles will be working closely with the Historic Royal Palaces’ team to ensure that the redesigned gardens work in their new environments.
Chelsea Flower Show Edit
We’ve put together a selection of pieces that capture the colourful, floral, and very British spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show. From our vibrant Play of Light rings - reflecting the colours of last year’s show garden with multicoloured gemstones - to our new pink diamond designs set in softly sculpted petal shapes, each piece reflects elements of the flowers and colours of the show.
Discover the collection
"Boodles has had a long-standing involvement with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world. Boodles has sponsored various gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show over the years collaborating with renowned garden designers. Each garden has been meticulously designed featuring stunning floral displays and innovative landscaping, inspired by Boodles jewellery collections."
– James Amos, Managing Director at Boodles
Visit the 2026 Boodles Historic Royal Palaces Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The Boodles historic Royal Palaces Garden will be at Chelsea Flower Show from the 19th – 23rd May 2026
More information