Chelsea Gardens You Can Recreate At Home

The Chelsea Flower Show is always a celebration of creativity and horticultural innovation. While many show gardens are breathtaking, they can sometimes feel out of reach for the average garden owner. This year, however, several designs are both beautiful and practical—offering plenty of ideas that could be adapted for real homes. Whether you enjoy entertaining, playing with your dog, reading in the sun, or making the most of a small outdoor space, there’s inspiration for everyone.

RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden
Designed by Monty Don, this garden has dogs firmly in mind and features a central lawn—making it a realistic option for many back gardens. Trees provide dappled shade, and flower beds are planted with dog-safe, non-toxic varieties for curious noses to explore. A small stream adds a playful touch for dogs to paddle in on hot days.

There’s a generous bench for owners to sit and relax while playing with their pets, and a brick path leads to a charming structure at the back of the garden. This summer house–meets–dog kennel offers a cosy retreat for dogs and humans alike.

The London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden
This welcoming garden by Dave Green has been designed as a gift to the Chelsea Pensioners and will be relocated to the Royal Hospital Chelsea after the show. It’s roughly the size of a typical suburban garden, yet it feels much larger thanks to clever zoning.

One half of the garden is a peaceful, woodland-inspired retreat with a water feature—ideal for moments of quiet. The other side is set up for entertaining, featuring a table and chairs upholstered with upcycled red military uniforms. A feature pergola frames the space beautifully, creating an inviting area for families to gather and unwind.

Room to Breathe: Hospital Garden for the TSA
This restorative courtyard garden, designed by Jen Donnelly and Catherine Gibbon, is proof that even the smallest spaces can feel generous. It’s packed with clever design tricks to give the illusion of depth and openness.

The paving is laid diagonally to draw the eye into the space, while the pergola is set at a contrasting angle, subtly opening up the area. Planters are tiered to make the most of vertical space and create a lush, layered look. A hanging chair offers the perfect perch to sit at eye level with the plants, making the space feel immersive and calming.

A Place to Read
This serene balcony garden by Freddie Strickland and Ben Gifford is a dream for book lovers—a quiet escape designed as an outdoor reading room. Comfortable armchairs invite you to settle in with a good book, and soft lighting extends its use into the evening.

The bookshelf and back walls echo the feel of a library, cleverly doubling as storage for books, pots, and gardening tools. The bookshelf is made from timber, nodding to the paper within books. Containers allow for seasonal planting and can be easily adapted to suit any space. Whether nestled into a sunny corner of a larger garden or fitted onto an urban balcony, this intimate design is full of charm and entirely adaptable.

For more information on Chelsea Gardens You Can Recreate At Home talk to Chilstone Architectural Stone & Garden Ornaments