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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.
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