Here’s a news flash I didn’t expect to see yesterday: the gnome ban has been lifted at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
For the second time in the Gardening Show’s history, gnomes will be allowed at this year’s event – and it’s all to raise money for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. It’s a playful move from the Royal Horticultural Society, and it makes me wonder if gnomes will turn out to be unexpected. Garden trends of 2026.
There is also a strange story behind the lifting of the ban. Here’s what I found out RHS Spring press conference yesterday.
Article continues below
(Image credit: Getty Images / MilesDavis)
So, about the story behind the new acceptance of gnomes – Melissa Simpson, head of horticulture at The King’s Foundation, noted in a New video about Highgrove Gnome That there’s a little gnome that seems to be hanging around the stumpery at Highgrove Gardens, and she’s pretty sure he’s the ‘boss’ (King!).
Being involved in the creation of His Excellency RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it only makes sense that gnomes are allowed free reign at this year’s event. The Curious Garden itself will feature a gnome or two, encouraging a fun, whimsical approach to gardening.
(Image credit: Getty Images / izusek)
Claire Matterson, director general of the RHS, says ‘We’ve never run out of the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of just sitting in a garden.
‘That’s why we’ve joined forces with The King’s Foundation to encourage the nation to get curious about gardening, whether it’s a horticultural career, a hobby, a way to fight the climate crisis, to support. Wildlife Or simply to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of our labor blossom and grow.’
Garden gnomes are playful (if there’s Marmite). Consider the garden borderBut you can also buy it as pot feet Sleeping Gnome from B&Q.
The RHS is also inviting celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Dame Mary Berry, Sir Brian May and Baroness Floella Benjamin to decorate the gnome for the 2026 show. They will be auctioned after the event to raise money for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, which encourages a curiosity for gardening among school children.
Where to Buy Garden Gnome
Alpine Corporation
Bearded Garden Gnome Statue
Can you find a home for this happy little fellow in your garden?
range
3 Garden Gnomes on Sticks
Keep things traditional with this set of three affordable spreads.
ASDA George
The Gardening Genome
I’m a little obsessed with this, nobody does garden gnomes like George Home.
Personally, I’m excited to see how it goes The garden gnome trend Appears again at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
