As someone who draws endless inspiration from my own Swedish garden, I’ve become ever more immersed in the world of plants and design—nature is, after all, at the heart of my work.
When I visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last weekend, I anticipated a certain Scandinavian subtlety: soft pastels, muted palettes. With the growing European trend toward clean, minimalist interiors, I wondered if the gardens might echo that same restrained aesthetic.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Chelsea was a glorious explosion of color—bold, expressive, and meticulously executed. It shattered expectations with its energy and imagination. Vibrant, surprising, and utterly unforgettable.
As a color lover, it was a thrill to walk into gardens bursting with bold, confident hues. No minimalist greens or neutrals here. Instead, rich purples, candy pinks, heavy burgundies, dazzling oranges, and soft yellows—all combined in ways that felt fresh, joyful, and totally unapologetic. It was a welcome contrast to the more subdued colors I’m used to at home.
A Textural Masterpiece: Best in Show
- Lupins were everywhere in the UK gardens—yet in Sweden, they’re considered invasive.
- Strawberries were mixed into perennial beds—something I’d never seen before.
- Very few minimalist gardens (if any)—a big surprise!
- The sheer precision of the Japanese gardens. The placement of moss, stones, and Acers was almost impossibly exact.
- Almost no climbers or trellises on display.
- Surprisingly few roses.
- Hardly any peonies—despite being one of Sweden’s most loved perennials.
