Norfolk is inspiration for new RHS flower show

A meadow-inspired show garden reflecting Norfolk's character will feature at a new Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) show.

The garden is designed Laura Strand and Sam Stark Kemp, based in Norwich, who said it will feature Norfolk water reed - a key part of the Broads landscape traditionally used for thatching.

The five-day event, which will be held for the first time at the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk from 22-26 July, will also honour the careers of its head gardeners, said the society.

The RHS event has been accused of being less "affordable" than the estate's previous one-day flower show, but organisers said prices were competitive.

The annual show cost £19 in 2025, with the 2026 event ranging up to £42 for a day ticket.

One trader highlighted the cost of hiring a pitch was nearly £4,708 for five days, compared to £350 for one day previously, and there was no option to do fewer than five days. The RHS said the charges were competitive.

Jenny Laville, the show's manager, said the team were "excited to welcome visitors".

"RHS Sandringham promises to celebrate how our love of gardening can translate directly into living more sustainably," she added.

Sophie Godber has designed another show garden, called Mindful Chef's Gathering, which aims to reimagine a traditional English orchard – 90% of which have been lost since the 1950s – into a smaller suburban garden.

Keen gardeners will be able to bring their home-grown fruit and vegetables to the show for daily competitions judged by Sandringham gardeners, the RHS added.

At the event, King Charles, who became patron of the RHS in 2024, will select his favourite exhibit showcasing biodiversity and Queen Camilla will choose her favourite upcycled container garden, the RHS added.

Children visiting the show will be able to write "leaf letters" to the King and Queen as part of an activity to help them learn about trees, the society added, amid concerns that many children cannot even recognise an oak leaf.

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