Plus, why this could be the end of the long-standing gnome ban...
The RHS has lifted its long-standing ban on garden gnomes at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show — for only the second time in the event’s 113-year history – and celebrities are already calling for the change to become permanent.
To mark the occasion, a host of famous faces designed their own whimsical figurines for a charity auction supporting the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. Despite having only just launched, the celebrity creations are already attracting attention, with Sir Brian May’s ‘Billy Bad-Axe’ leading the pack as bids climb past £2,200.
If this year’s show proves anything, it’s that gardening is shifting away from rigidly clipped hedges, tame borders and perfectly manicured lawns in favour of something far more joyful and expressive.
In a bid to inspire a new generation of gardeners, the RHS invited celebrities – including Chelsea presenters and famous faces from the worlds of music, film and entertainment – to paint their own whimsical figurines for a charity auction supporting the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, which encourages schoolchildren to get hands-on with plants and gardening.
During Monday’s press day, the celebrity gnome decorators proudly unveiled their designs. Among them was Alan Titchmarsh, who transformed his figurine into a miniature version of himself.
'Mine is in a blue suit to match me and he also has a red and white striped tie but you can’t see it because he has a giant beard,' he joked.
Elsewhere, musician and comedian Bill Bailey's contribution carried a deeper message. 'Mine is a comment on AI,' he said. 'When my gnome was delivered to me, the top of its hat had broken off, and I fixed it with gold acrylic. This is kintsugi – the Japanese art of fixing with gold – which celebrates imperfection, which is what AI couldn’t do.'
Aptly called 'Billy Bad-Axe', former Queen band member Brian May's gnome carries not a shovel, but a guitar. It's the most popular celebrity gnome, with bids currently exceeding £2,000.
Meanwhile, Baroness Dame Floella Benjamin gave hers a golden hat alongside a colourful rhinestone-adorned dress.
Frances Tophill, Gardeners’ World presenter and designer of The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, gave her figurine a distinctive purple beard.
Other contributors include Adam Frost, Sophie Raworth, Flo Hedlam, Dame Mary Berry, Tom Allen, Toby Buckland, Nicki Chapman, Rachel de Thame, Dame Joanna Lumley, Angellica Bell, Cate Blanchett, Sue Kent, Kelly Hoppen and RHS president Keith Weed.
But these celebrity creations aren't the only notable gnomes at RHS Chelsea this year. The infamous ban has been lifted once again to allow gnomes to appear in The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill — a decision inspired by a long-running tradition started by King Charles III himself.
At Highgrove Gardens, the King’s private residence in Gloucestershire, garden gnomes have long been part of the landscape. Melissa Simpson, head of horticulture at The King’s Foundation, revealed that one particular figurine is known for mysteriously changing position. ‘We’ve got a little gnome that seems to move around and I’m sure it’s the boss [the King], just to keep us on our feet,’ Melissa told Frances.
In the Curious Garden, visitors can also spot a nameless garden gnome hiding among the foliage – a playful reference to the mysterious roaming gnome said to appear and disappear around the stumpery at Highgrove.
The campaign has sparked so much joy among its participants that several are now calling for the RHS to scrap the ban for good. Speaking on Press Day, both Alan Titchmarsh and Bill Bailey urged the RHS to make the change permanent. After nearly a century, the humble garden gnome may finally be getting its deserved Chelsea comeback.
HOW TO MAKE A BID
The gnome auction closes at 7pm on Sunday 24th May. You can bid on your favourite celebrity-designed gnome via the RHS charity auction.
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