As the horticultural world continues to embrace sustainability, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 has introduced the Sustainable Excellence Awards to recognise outstanding contributions to eco-friendly gardening practices. These awards highlight the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable innovation.
Green Garden Audit: Pioneering Sustainable Design
A significant advancement in this year’s show is the implementation of the Green Garden Audit for all large gardens in the Show and Sanctuary categories. Conducted by Nicholsons in collaboration with RHS Head of Sustainability Malcolm Anderson, the audit assesses various sustainability criteria, including material selection, waste management, biodiversity, water usage, and air quality. The initiative has led to a remarkable 28% reduction in carbon emissions across these garden categories.
Environmental Innovation Award: Celebrating Eco-Friendly Ingenuity
Introduced in 2024, the Environmental Innovation Award recognises gardens that have undergone the Green Garden Audit and demonstrated exceptional environmental ingenuity. This award celebrates designers and contractors who have embraced sustainable practices, encouraging positive change within the horticultural industry.
Sustainable Garden Product of the Year: Showcasing Eco-Conscious Innovations
The Sustainable Garden Product of the Year competition highlights environmentally-friendly gardening products from tradestand exhibitors. Finalists are evaluated based on their eco-friendly attributes, including the use of renewable materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Notable finalists from previous years include:
- Twool Sustainable Garden Net: Made from renewable British wool, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic nets.
- Hannah Marchant’s Plantable Calendar: An eco-friendly calendar embedded with seeds, allowing each page to be planted after use.
- Sneeboer Handspade: Sustainably produced in the Netherlands using renewable energy, designed for ease of use and longevity.
- Lindum Species Rich Turf: An 80/20 blend of wildflowers and grasses on a plastic-free mat, promoting biodiversity. RHS
Sustainable Business of the Year: Honouring Long-Term Commitment
The Sustainable Business of the Year award acknowledges companies demonstrating a long-term commitment to sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and social responsibility. For instance, Sneeboer, a family-run business crafting garden tools since 1913, was recognised for its dedication to sustainable practices and high-quality products.
🌼 Looking Ahead: A Greener Future in Horticulture
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s Sustainable Excellence Awards underscore the industry’s shift towards environmentally responsible gardening. By celebrating innovation and sustainable practices, the RHS encourages gardeners, designers, and businesses to contribute to a greener future. These initiatives not only enhance the beauty of our gardens but also ensure the health and sustainability of our environment for generations to come.
Read more about Who are the 2025 RHS Chelsea Sustainable Excellence Awards 2025 Finalist and follow Garden-Review 2025 Chelsea Coverage
For more information on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and its sustainability initiatives, visit the official RHS website.
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