Behind the scenes of Chelsea 2026 at Creepers Nursery

Behind the scenes of Chelsea 2026 at Creepers Nursery

As preparations ramp up for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, we caught up with Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery, to get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the lead up to one of the most prestigious events in the horticultural calendar.

What are you most excited about for Chelsea this year?

“As ever, it’s seeing the designs and visions come to life on a global stage. The complexity of the builds and the technicalities involved in growing plants to such specific requirements is always exciting. And, of course, there’s always a lot of interest in the trees that have been selected too.”

What have been some of the biggest challenges in preparing for this year’s show?

“As we head into the home straight, the weather has definitely been a challenge. We’ve gone from 25 degrees to frost within weeks, which makes things unpredictable. The mild winter has also pushed growth on quite a distance, so a lot of what we do comes down to instinct.”

How does this year compare to previous years in terms of scale or complexity?

“This year we’ve welcomed Carey Garden Design into our nursery for Chelsea. We usually cap at two contract grows, so bringing in a third has added another layer of complexity, particularly in terms of genera and requirements. The weather adds its own challenges too, but the designers we’re working with are fantastic.”

How important is the relationship between grower and designer?

“A Chelsea grow can’t happen, in my opinion, without a strong relationship between the designer and the nursery. Designers place a lot of trust in us to deliver their vision through plants. On the flip side, we need to be able to have honest and sometimes difficult conversations about what is and isn’t possible.”

Are there any standout plant varieties you’re particularly excited about supplying this year?

“I really enjoy growing Hordeum jubatum. It’s a beautifully elegant grass with soft lilac hues that move in even the slightest breeze, adding another dimension to a garden. I’m also looking forward to seeing Polygonatum odoratum ‘Red Stem’, Nepeta nuda ‘Romany Dusk’ and Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’ used in the schemes.”

When does preparation for Chelsea typically begin for you?

“For 2026, it started back in August when the preliminary plant lists arrived. That’s where the process of refining, adding and discussing choices begins. From there, we’re often travelling across Europe to source trees. Before you know it, it’s Christmas and everything is in place, waiting for spring.”

What does the lead up to the show look like on the nursery?

“Busy, very busy. Chelsea falls during one of our busiest periods anyway, and we’re adding around 10,000 plants into the mix, all needing to be carefully managed and delivered within tight timeframes. The phone never stops, and there are constant visits between the nursery, the New Forest and the showground.”

How long has Creepers Nursery been involved with the Chelsea Flower Show?

“We’ve been involved for around four to five years now, in varying capacities. For the past three years, we’ve been contract growing.”

How many gardens and stands are you supplying to this year?

“We’re supplying Catherine MacDonald for Boodles, Baz Grainger for Killik, Carey Garden Design for Addleshaw Goddard, Alex Noble for Range Rover, Alan Williams for the Killik trade stand, and Biz Nightingale for Waleeda, plus the usual last minute requests that always come in.”

What trends are you seeing in plant choices for Chelsea 2026?

“From what we’re growing, there’s definitely a move towards drier, prairie style planting. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out across the show, but 2026 is set to be another great year.”

Looking ahead to Chelsea 2026

With thousands of plants to prepare, tight timelines to meet and the unpredictability of the British weather to contend with, the run up to Chelsea is no small task. Yet for Creepers Nursery, it’s this challenge that defines the experience.

As Michael highlights, it’s a process built on expertise, instinct and strong collaboration, all culminating in a single week where months of work are brought to life on a global stage.

With an exciting roster of designers, evolving planting trends and another ambitious season underway, Creepers Nursery are once again set to play a key role in shaping the gardens of RHS Chelsea 2026.

For the latest industry news visit landscapingmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Landscaping Matters