South Africa exhibit wins gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show 2025

South Africa has once again achieved success at the Chelsea Flower Show, securing a prestigious gold medal for its 'Living Oceans' exhibit.

May 21, 2025 - 06:00
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South Africa exhibit wins gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show 2025

South Africa has once again achieved remarkable success at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, securing a prestigious gold medal for its captivating exhibit, “Living Oceans.”

South Africa’s ‘Living Oceans’ exhibit

Renowned horticulturist Leon Kluge, alongside Tristan Woudberg and their dedicated team, crafted the “Living Oceans” display, drawing inspiration from the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along South Africa’s coastline.

This exhibit celebrated the nation’s rich biodiversity, showcasing over 25 000 ethically sourced stems of indigenous flora, including fynbos, succulents, and coastal species.

The design artfully depicted the influence of ocean currents and rocky cliffs on South Africa’s unique plant life, presenting a sculptural and dramatic landscape that resonated with themes of climate, ecology, and natural beauty.

Kluge took to Instagram to show off the award and say: “Well, it’s gold again for South Africa here at the Chelsea Flower show.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking this morning not knowing what [medal] was going to wait for us at the stand. We are very relieved and very excited about the gold, putting South Africa’s flora right at the top of the world stage.”

This is the second gold for South Africa after it stole the show at last year’s event, when the same team won gold with a perfect score for a garden inspired by the windswept slopes of the Cape mountains.

The team was also awarded “Best Exhibit in the Pavilion” and the “Best New Design” in 2024.

The Karoo Succulent Garden

Meanwhile, another standout was the Karoo Succulent Garden, a collaborative effort between The Newt in Somerset and its South African sister estate, Babylonstoren.

Designed by Katie Lewis, this 45x15m garden featured over 6 000 succulent plants from 15 families, including quiver trees, fan aloes, and lithops.

The garden’s six biomes, constructed with sandstone, shale, and quartz, highlighted the adaptability and resilience of succulents, emphasising their suitability for drought-resistant gardening amidst climate change concerns.

Celebrating South African flora

The show’s marquee was adorned with vibrant displays of South African flora.

Notable highlights included proteas, Leucospermums, clivias, agapanthuses, and Cape primroses, presented by esteemed nurseries such as Gardeners Delight, Jacques Amand, and Dibleys.

Additionally, botanist Elsa Pooley launched her new book, South African Indigenous Garden Plants, offering valuable insights into the nation’s rich botanical heritage.

Key details

  • Dates: 20-24 May 2025
  • Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
  • Opening times:
    • Tuesday-Wednesday (RHS Members’ Days): 08:00-20:00
    • Thursday-Friday: 08:00-20:00
    • Friday Chelsea Late: 17:30-22:00
    • Saturday: 08:00-17:30
  • Tickets: Available for purchase on the RHS website

Have you ever visited the Chelsea Flower Show?

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