RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Gold Medal Houseplant Studio - Plants By There
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Houseplant Studio 2021
Tripod plant pot on legs

The Green Room

Malvern Garden Buildings

RHS Cheslea 2021

Gold Medal

After a 16 month delay, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returned; but for the first time ever in September!  A new Houseplant Studio category caused quite a stir at the show, with visitors revelling in the lush, foliage filled buildings designed by creatives from the indoor gardening community.  In a studio provided by Malvern Garden Buildings, I created a plant-filled, disco wonderland inspired by the huge comeback of retro plants during the global lockdown.  In The Green Room, the plants were the true VIPs (Very Important Plants).  The space caters to their every whim and featured specialist grow lights and humidifiers to replicate their natural habitats.  This Gold medal winning installation aimed to push aside the seriousness that surrounds horticulture and to communicate that indoor gardening can also be fun!

 My aim was to showcase how plants can be displayed in very creative yet achievable ways. Macrame formed the backbone of the design with it making its way onto the outer structure of the building.  The giant rope plant hanger was realised by dynamic duo Maggie Coker and Lorna Green to give the impression that the whole building was suspended from the tree above for even more added fantasy.  I also quite literally used smoke and mirrors to create the levitating illusion!

 The Green Room received such an incredible response from both the press and the public with my disco playlist, mirror balls and neon lighting being the main highlights for many.

The Green Room 'suspended' from the tree canopy.
Plants positioned at ground level under the macrame canopy included boldly patterned Calathea and flowering Aechmea with green disco balls nestled amongst the foliage.
Entrance to The Green Room featuring a custom neon sign.
The potting bench catering to the needs of the plants with grow lights, humidifiers and customised tools.
Tropical planting crept down the steps up to the studio entrance and disco balls littered the landscpae.
The plants were suspended, elevated and positioned at every level to create a fully immersive jungle experience. This neon pink 'microphone stand' really made a feature of this Tillandsia cyanea.
Mixed succulent planting in a tripod planter surrounds an erupting neon light tube that snakes through the space.
Nepenthes alata and Medinilla magnifica being showcased at their best suspended in bespoke neon pink macrame hangers.
Mixed caladiums planted in customised tripod planters.
Open terrariums were planted with mixed species with colourful foliage such as Caladium and Fittonia.
The potting bench also provided space for cuttings to take root and VIP's to thrive.
Carnivorous plants in the moist environment of the potting bench alongside propagated plants.
Houseplant specimens that grow in water were displayed on the potting bench.
The science lab feel of the potting bench was very popular with visitors to the show.
Plant pots were dropped through the potting bench to maximise space.
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The swing seat corner.
Disco ball surrounded by Air Plant balls suspended from the studio ceiling.
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Bold foliage in shades of green and sculptural tropical flowers such as Vanda orchids filled the space.
A giant macrame tassel emerged from under the 'suspended' building.
A view into The Green Room
Neon rope lights an a bespoke neon wall sign.
The suspended macrame chair provided a way for visitors to immerse themselves in the planting.
My favourite planter of the design featuring mixed colourful Caladiums.
At night The Green Room really came to life with the combination of pink and green lighting grabbing the attention of visitors.
Every area of the space was detailed with plants and props to create a maximalist feel.
Bespoke neon sign.
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A giant tree trunk style planter created a habitat for many houseplant species including Medinilla, Tillandsia, Monstera, Aechmea and Orchids.
Details of the tree trunk planter.
Open terrariums planted with succulent plants and detailed with co-ordinating neon pink gravel.
A 'forest floor' of mosses, Begonia, Fittonia, Monstera and Caladium carpeted the space underneath the macrame hangers.
A Medinilla magnifica in a bespoke macrame plant hanger.
Plant cuttings in glass vessels.
The macrame corner at night.
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Planting escaping the studio and landscaping the entrance.
Tillandsia, Caladium and Aechmea with a nestled disco ball.
Outdoor terrace area adjacent to The Green Room.
Mixed planting and mosses outside the space.
The Green Room was awarded an RHS Gold Medal by the judges.
The Green Room strung up with macrame ropes.
Initial render of the design when the concept was first decided upon in 2019 pre pandemic.
Drag Queen Crystal bringing even more life to the studio on Press Day.
Despite the damp autumn weather, Crystal and the disco ball dancers brought the party to the Houseplant Studios on Press Day!
Drag Queen Crystal and myself inside The Green Room.
Disco Ball dancers entertained guests on Press Day!
Drag Queen Crystal entertained guests on Press Day with a disco DJ set.
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