RHS Chelsea Planting Design 2025 & 2026 | Sam Outing Garden Designs

RHS
CHELSEA
FLOWER SHOW

Celebrating
Nature's Harmony
2025 & 2026 Site Planting
Designed by Sam Outing

Welcome to Sam Outing Garden Designs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 & 2026. Sam has designed the RHS-branded planting design throughout the Showground, incorporating permanent borders, The RHS Experience and planter displays.

Site Planting: A Celebration of Seasonal Beauty

Sam's planting design for Chelsea 2025 and 2026 creates an immersive experience that celebrates May's seasonal crescendo. Through thoughtful layering of ornamental perennials and grasses, the design achieves a naturalistic yet curated aesthetic that balances structure with movement.

The scheme features:

Bold foliage and dynamic color combinations
Pollinator-rich plantings supporting biodiversity
Resilient species that thrive in changing conditions
A cohesive visual link between Show Gardens and the wider event

Royal Hospital Chelsea Ranelagh Gardens

Sam's brief was to enhance visitor engagement, biodiversity, and enduring beauty in a central London garden

Part of the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s permanent grounds, Ranelagh Gardens are enjoyed by the Chelsea Pensioners year-round and form a significant part of the estate. Each May, the gardens and wider grounds are opened to the RHS.

This multi-year rejuvenation project builds on the impressive work of previous designers, creating a resilient garden that helps mitigate the effects of climate change through the selection of durable and beautiful plant choices. The design enhances biodiversity and ecology while remaining visually engaging for visitors. From shaded deciduous woodland to sun-baked borders, the project responds to harsh urban conditions and invites wildlife into this remarkable central London setting.

About the designer - Sam Outing

From a childhood fascination with nature, to designing for the world's most prestigious flower show, Sam's journey reflects a deep connection to the natural world and a commitment to ecological design.

After a successful early career in curation, publishing, and heritage organizations including Historic Royal Palaces and the RHS, Sam returned to Norfolk in 2017 where his passion for horticulture took root. During the 2020 lockdowns, this passion crystallized into a new vocation.

Trained at the Norfolk School of Gardening with a Certificate in Practical Horticulture (accredited by Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh) and a Special Commendation for his Diploma in Garden Design (accredited by Society of Garden & Landscape Designers), Sam now shares his expertise by teaching Border Design at the Norfolk School of Gardening, and will lead the Introduction to Garden Design course from September 2025.

Design Philosophy: Curated Naturalism

Sam's approach embraces "curated naturalism"—prioritising plants over hard landscaping and putting biodiversity at the forefront while maintaining aesthetic excellence. Based in East Anglia, he specializes in drought-tolerant and climate-conscious planting that reflects the native landscape. His designs create gardens that are both ecologically valuable and deeply personal, helping clients shape spaces that reach their full potential while enhancing biodiversity.

THE PLANTING

THE BUILD

I worked with a fabulous team of volunteers to realise the site planting!

GET IN TOUCH

Website

Visit us at: www.samoutingdesigns.com

Project Enquiries

Please get in touch to explore how I can help transform your garden and outdoor spaces:

Email: info@samoutingdesigns.com

Tel: 07973 565 051

What a journey this is!

I’m loving being able to give you sneak peaks as the build progresses…

Nearly there! Today was applying the wool membrane from @wearewoolcool and started to top dress with my sandy aggregate to represent the arid Norfolk landscape of 2025

What a treat! Do come to @the_rhs @sandringhamestate Flower Show 2026!

@urbanjungleuk_ @howardnurseries @burevalleylandscapes @forasstone @norfolkschoolofgardening

#gardendesign #plantingdesign #norfolkgardendesign #showgarden #sustainability

The Goldcrest Garden Restoring Habitat, Repairing Climate

RHS Sandringham Flower Show build Day 2

Arid rusted curved & Woolie Tree Hats!

@burevalleylandscapes @wearewoolcool @the_rhs @sandringhamestate @foras @urbanjungleuk_ @norfolkschoolofgardening

#gardendesigner #norfolkgardendesign #showgarden #sustainability #plantingdesigner

Thank you @northnorfolkliving

A beautiful write up to mark my first day on site for my @the_rhs Sandringham Flower Show build!

We can all do something tangible, worthwhile and aesthetically pleasing to mitigate climate change and help nature 🐝🌱🥰💪

@burevalleylandscapes @urbanjungleuk_ @norfolkschoolofgardening @howardnurseries @forasstone @sandringhamestate

#gardendesigner #norfolkgardendesign #showgarden #sustainabledesign #plantingdesign

If you want to hear me babble nonsensically about my @the_rhs Sandringham Flower Show garden, you’ve come to the right place!

@rhs @sandringhamestate @urbanjungleuk_ @howardnurseries @burevalleylandscapes @norfolkschoolofgardening @forasstone

#showgarden #norfolkgardendesign #climatechangegardening #gardendesigner #gardendesign

Small, but Perfectly Formed

Garden Design is frequently the art of problem sloving - conversion of an unloved space into a cherished one

This terrace house has been elevated, elongated and widened with a curved gravel path which bows and flows through the garden, encourage full use of the space.

Naturalistic planting with a long season of interest. Biodiversity improvement and another link in our much need wildlife corridors. Stimulating and enjoyable space for the clients to escape in to

@samoutingdesigns

#gardendesign #wildlifegarden #plantingdesign #gardenrenovation #norfolkgardendesign

Concept Design Stage Perspective Illustration

New work, south Norfolk

@samoutingdesigns

#gardendesign #plantingdesign #gardenillustration #norfolkgardendesign #londongardendesign

I may be obviously gay, but I rarely promote it or get on my soap box — maybe that in itself is an issue and stigma to unpack — but as Pride month closes and London Pride is just round the corner, I wanted to stand up and speak out.

I have great privilege now as a white, older millennial man in the UK, but life wasn’t always this secure for me, and certainly still isn’t for all LGBTQ+ folk.

Growing up in a small city in the 90s and 00s was pretty tough: Section 28, the tail end of the AIDS crisis, and high and low-level homophobia in the media, popular culture and in my everyday life were all present and took their toll.

I was bullied every day of my life from ages 11 to 16 — so badly I had to change schools, see a therapist, and became incredibly shy and introverted. I still see a therapist.

I found some amazing people who have loved, supported and nurtured me; from friends to partners, lovers and colleagues.

But it’s not easy, and not the default for many young LGBTQIA+ kids, who need our nurturing and kindness.

We had/have to live in the shadows, and to quote @russelltdavies63 “Tip Toe” out of the closet and often shrink back into it for safety.

I’m a very proud and out gay man. Being queer is a fantastic superpower and something to be cherished and celebrated — not stigmatised and threatened.

Pride is, and always will be, essential to tell our story, celebrate our culture and existence, and show those who are too scared and anxious to come out that it’s not just okay to be who you are, but liberating, and often life-saving.

With Reform clamping down on LGBTQIA+ representation and the politicisation of trans people, we need now more than ever to show our solidarity and kindness.

A few of my wonderful people:
@danielzcox
@rosanna_pendleton
@indie_rosie
@wild_lulita

And some excellent organisations:
@stonewalluk
@justlikeusuk
@mermaidsgender
@nwlgbtqproject
@norwichpride
@goodlawproject
@terrencehigginstrust

#pride #gaypride #loveislove #gayboy #lgbtqiarights

Prep & planning for RHS Sandringham continues!

Thrilled to receive my Show Garden flyers today in the post! Obsessed with how cute this Goldcrest is

For more info visit my website (link in bio) for design details & plant lists

Thanks to my brilliant supports @urbanjungleuk_ @forasstone @burevalleylandscapes & Pinkfoot Strategic

@the_rhs @sandringhamestate @norfolkschoolofgardening

#showgarden #gardendesign #plantingdesign #climatechangeawareness #droughtolerantplants

Morning light - late June - @samoutingdesigns

#gardendesigner #plantingdesign #verbenabonariensis #droughttolerant #climatechangeawareness

Thank you @the_sgld & Arabella St John Parker for featuring me in Garden Design Journal for another month

This time showcasing my RHS Sandringham Flower Show Long Border, Problem Solving Category - Goldcrest
Garden: Restoring Habitat, Repairing Climate

“Focussing on migratory Goldcrest and the pressures that climate change places on fragile ecosystems. ‘It explores how thoughtful planting and design can restore habitat and support biodiversity and the garden will combine strong, environmental messaging with beautiful, accessible planting”

My ethos is centred on making tackling climate change, manageable and effective in small tangible ways

Two weeks until the build starts - can’t wait!

@the_rhs
@sandringhamestate
@urbanjungleuk_
@burevalleylandscapes
@forasstone
@samoutingdesigns & @norfolkschoolofgardening

#sandringhamestate #showgarden #gardendesign #norfolkgardendesign #climatechangeawareness

Another sneak peek

A final planting site visit last week to this dream scape of a garden in north Norfolk I’ve had the privilege to be involved in

Planting design @samoutingdesigns
Landscaping @burevalleylandscapes
Lighting design @zaravauxlighting
Planting team @sarah.betts1 @saskomow
Pool house @king_and_company

#gardendesigner #norfolkgarden #plantingdesign #droughttolerantplants #norfolkgardendesign

I’m incredibly excited to announce my 2026 RHS Sandringham Flower Show Long Border Garden

The Goldcrest Garden - Restoring Habitat, Repairing Climate

A garden that may be small in size, but impactful in message, atmosphere and aesthetics

The Goldcrest Garden by Sam Outing Garden Designs explores how biodiversity-rich gardens can be created in anticipation of a significantly warmer future. Whilst being beautiful and engaging.

Taking its inspiration from migratory goldcrests and the pine forests they inhabit. Plant species have been selected for their resilience and durability, as well as their value to many much-loved animal species. Mediterranean varieties such as Pinus pinea, which is better adapted to heat than many northern European natives, are combined with drought-tolerant perennials and grasses commonly found in East Anglian gardens.

The plants from the garden will be donated to @norfolkschoolofgardening as part of the teaching gardens for volunteers and students

This is a holistic and positive design that embraces the problems we are already facing, and offers easy to achieve take homes.

For more information about the garden, me, hero plants, and full plant list - see link in bio

@the_rhs @sandringhamestate @burevalleylandscapes @urbanjungleuk_ @forasstone @norfolkschoolofgardening

#rhssandringhamflowershow #gardendesign #norfolkgardendesign #climatechangeawareness #showgarden

It was my absolute pleasure to be interviewed at Chelsea this year by @stephanieejarvis of @chateaudelalande fame

Such a positive experience getting to discuss this wonderful and inspiring central London rejuvenation project for @the_rhs on behalf of @royalhospitalchelsea and be a part of one of most prestigious horticultural events in the world

My first ever to camera interview - terrifying doesn’t even begin to describe

Thank you @stephanieejarvis
@the_rhs
@formplants
@royalhospitalchelsea

#gardendesigner #chelseaflowershow #plantingdesign #sustainabledesign #ukgardendesign

Another update from the north Norfolk swimming pool walled garden

Beautifully crafted garden by @burevalleylandscapes
Striking olive from @norfolkoliveco
Lighting design @zaravauxlighting
Planting design @samoutingdesigns - a calming and elevated space full of biodiversity enhancing species that are all hardy, drought tolerant and effortlessly stylish

More to come!

#norfolkgardendesign #gardendesigner #plantingdesign #sustainabledesign #norfolkgarden

Thank you @the_sgld for the lovely review in Garden Design Journal of my @the_rhs Chelsea Flower Show 2026 planting design project

It was a pleasure discussing the project once again with Arabella and explaining the nuanced approach the rejuvenation project of the @royalhospitalchelsea Ranelagh Gardens has been

Thank you again to @formplants for the impeccable plants

And to everyone who made Chelsea 2026 such a joy to be involved in

#chelseaflowershow #plantingdesign #gardendesign #gardendesigner #sustainabledesign

Thrilled to be featured in North Norfolk Living’s early summer issue

Talking about one of my favourite garden activities after returning home from Chelsea - The Chelsea Chop

@northnorfolkliving
@the_rhs
@samoutingdesigns

#NorfolkGardenDesigner #NorfolkGardens #UKGardenDesign #GardenDesignInspiration #SustainableGardens

RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026

No sooner had Chelsea stopped and another exciting RHS project continues…

At Urban Jungle today sourcing and setting out for my RHS Sandringham Flower Show Long Border Design - The Goldcrest Garden: Restoring Habitat, Repairing Climate - a biodiversity focused garden designed to mitigate climate change

What a joyous and fore-filling afternoon buried deep in plants - thank you Urban Jungle! 🐝🌱😍

@the_rhs
@urbanjungleuk_
@samoutingdesigns

#rhssandringhamflowershow #norfolkgardendesign #gardendesigner #climatechange #sustainabledesign

The Abundance of May

A testament to the power of plants — this beautiful west-facing garden was built and planted last autumn. Just 8 months on, it’s bursting into bloom.

Planted with 9cm pots for optimal plant health and to stretch the budget, these resilient perennials and grasses are well bedded in and already looking fantastic.

A garden full of nature, life and colour.

Somewhere to truly relax and unwind.

@samoutingdesigns
@howardnurseries
@practical_plants_ltd
@ornamentaltreesltd & @plantgrowuk

#NorfolkGardenDesigner #NorfolkGardens #UKGardenDesign #GardenDesignInspiration #SustainableGardens

@self_build_adventure

Penultimate day of Chelsea 2026

It’s been an honour and privilege to continue this project on behalf of the @the_rhs to restore the Ranelagh Gardens @royalhospitalchelsea putting sustainability and beauty at the forefront of my design intention and philosophy

Thank you everyone who has helped and contributed from the lovely team at the RHS and @formplants. To the superb bunch of dedicated, skilled and paitient planters from some of the UK’s top colleges, including some of my own students. Without whom, this project would have been impossible - THANK YOU EVERYONE

@norfolkschoolofgardening
@londoncollegegardendesign
@capelmanor
@britishacademyofgardendesign
@inchbaldschoolofdesign

@alexjensengardendesign
@sarahbetts%
@carolondonuk
@ruth.darrah
@juliaghoskins
@catstercat
@katherine.hodges.design
@evolveinteriordesign
@bridgeandbloomstudio
@karensjkeable
@katedarrah
@fanijablumagardens
@internationaleel
@fiona.grows
@alex_cheyney
@hopeandglorygardening
@jessie_gray_design
@amandabradforddesigns
@deborahbrill
@franpaffard
@natashamclarendoerr
@lucyward05
@honorrobertsgardendesign
@landracestudio
@davidjones9891
@nicki_pumpkin
@slawsonartist
and the many others I could not tag

@_mariameco

#chelseaflowershow #plantingdesign #gardendesigner #londongardendesigner #sustainabledesign

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Planting Design 2026

What an exhilarating, exhausting and fun filled build Chelsea has been - the final plants are in and our trowels, horihoris have been dusted down for the last time of 2026

Delighted with the results of this years design. It’s been a great privilege to continue work on this rejuvenation project for the RHS. Bring sustainable planting design and life to this hallowed central London venue and garden

Thank you to everyone for their help and support, including the myriad of @norfolkschoolofgardening alumni, including some of my own students

Hopefully the plants speak for themselves, and people enjoy it as much as I have

Photography @_mariameco

@the_rhs @samoutingdesigns @formplants @royalhospitalchelsea

#rhschelseaflowershow #chelseaflowershow #plantingdesign #londongardendesigner #sustainabledesign

Perennial meadow coming into full affect as we ease closer to the opening of Chelsea 2026

@the_rhs Chelsea Flower Show Planting Design 2026

@samoutingdesigns

@formplants

#chelseaflowershow #plantingdesigner #gardendesigner #ukgardendesign #sustainablegardening

Curated Naturalism - Chelsea Flower Show 2026 @the_rhs @formplants @samoutingdesigns

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026!

Tomorrow I’m back on site at Chelsea for this years show

It was such an insanely fun privilege and honour to be invited back to continue this great project

Here are a few favourites pics of last years project - the rejuvenation design for the Ranelagh Garden - improving the biodiversity and ecological of a central London private garden, open to the public for the show

@the_rhs @samoutingdesigns @formplants

#rhschelseaflowershow #ukgardendesigner #plantingdesigner #londongardendesigner #sustainablegardendesign

Dream project continues

@samoutingdesigns
@burevalleylandscapes
@saskomow
@zaravauxlighting
@king_and_company

#norfolkgardendesign #gardendesigner #norfolkgardendesigner #norfolkgarden #plantingdesign

Another update from this lovely north Norfolk project - thankfully not quite as early as yesterday 😴 🌱 🐞 ☀️ #gardendesigner #norfolkgardendesigner #plantingdesigner #norfolkgarden #sustainablegardendesign

V early on site to continue setting out this exciting project

Setting out a dream project in north Norfolk

@samoutingdesigns
@burevalleylandscapes
@king_and_company
@zaravauxlighting

#NorfolkGardenDesigner #NorfolkGardens #UKGardenDesign #GardenDesignInspiration #SustainableGardens

Enthralled & obsessed with my new @niwaki.hq Kenzen flower teeth

Home grown flowers @samoutingdesigns

#NorfolkGardenDesigner #NorfolkGardens #UKGardenDesign #GardenDesignInspiration #SustainableGardens

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii @samoutingdesigns #norfolkgardendesign #plantingdesign #ukgardendesigner #gardendesigner #londongardendesigner

Three weeks today, I’ll be back!

The RHS have kindly invited me to continue Site Planting at this years Chelsea Flower Show:
- Multi year rejuvenation project, restoring the Ranelagh Gardens - part of the Chelsea Pensioners private grounds opening to the public during the show
- Planting design for the RHS Experience and planters across the site

I’m incredibly honoured and excited to be involved

Hopefully you’ll see snippets of my work across social media and the BBC

@the_rhs @bbc @samoutingdesigns

#rhschelseaflowershow #gardendesigner
#NorfolkGardenDesigner #UKGardenDesign #GardenDesignInspiration

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@samoutingdesigns

Celebrating Nature's Harmony 2025 & 2026 Site Planting Designed by Sam Outing

Welcome to Sam Outing Garden Designs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 & 2026. Sam has designed the RHS-branded planting design throughout the Showground, incorporating permanent borders, The RHS Experience and planter displays.

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Celebrating
Nature's Harmony
2025 & 2026 Site Planting
Designed by Sam Outing