An Unforgettable Week at RHS Chelsea 2026
This year, the quality of work on display was truly stunning, with numerous medals awarded to honour the dedication and skill of the competitors.
The theme for Floristry and Floral Design this year was 'Floristry Laboratory' which really gave an exciting creative springboard for some of our talented BFA members to create innovative and captivating pieces of work.
As ever, there were two main categories in floristry and floral design 2026: Creative Spaces - Larger installations, not judged for RHS Medals and Floral Creations - Smaller designs judged for RHS Medals and eligible for the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year Award.
Floral Creations
First and foremost, huge congratulations to the brilliant Jade Loftus, who not only won a GOLD medal for her breathtaking design 'Nature Magnified' but also earned the prestigious overall award for RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year 2026!
Next, the incredibly talented Helen Pannit received a Chelsea GOLD medal for her design 'fusion & fission'. A Chelsea competitor since 2011, Helen once again showcased her vast experience, expertise, and skill at RHS Chelsea this year.
SILVER medals were awarded to Nikki Wright for her design, 'Floral Evolution: From Seedling to Symphony,' and to Emma McGeehan of Orchis Floral Design for her creation, 'The Celestial Meadow.'
Supporting Future Florists
Each year at RHS Chelsea, one Floristry college is invited to create a design to present in the Great Pavilion. This year it was the turn of BFA members East Durham College, mentored by Simon Lycett, who created a fabulous installation entitled 'Floral Tropism: Nature's Stimulus'. Congratulations to all the students involved - what an exceptional opportunity to enrich your portfolios and gain invaluable experience.
The first of two outstanding designs by BFA members in this category was created by Gaia Eros & Dimitris Koutroumpas.
Creative Spaces
Their innovative installation, 'Enmeshed: Positive Pathways,' skillfully combined up-cycled circuitry, natural wood, fungi, and an interactive listening feature that invited visitors to fully immerse themselves in the forest's sounds and frequencies—creating a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
Sponsored by the BFA and Tom Brown Wholesale
Secondly, visitors to Chelsea were captivated by a stunning installation from Acacia Creative Studio: 'Chlorophyll: The Colour of Life'. An awe-inspiring display that featured an array of South American foliage and incorporated recycled materials from previous flower shows. Truly remarkable work!
