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The garden

Celebrating Historic Royal Palaces, The Boodles Garden design draws inspiration from iconic features found across four landmark sites. The garden layout echoes that of the Tower of London, with light-coloured limestone paving reflecting the stonework of the White Tower and architectural elements of Hampton Court Palace.

At the heart of the garden, a continuous rill represents the Tower of London鈥檚 historic moat. A central, asymmetrical pavilion, inspired by the decorative ceiling of the Picnic Room in Queen Charlotte鈥檚 Cottage, Kew Palace, provides a sheltered area for relaxing and entertaining.

The planting palette is rich, bold and luxurious. Shades of purple evoke the iridescent feathers of the Tower鈥檚 iconic ravens and the colour variations of grapes from Hampton Court鈥檚 Great Vine. Deep red tones reference the Damask wallpaper found at both Hampton Court and Kensington Palaces.

Key plants

The garden reflects a popular romantic, gardenesque style of planting, using cultivated species with a strong emphasis on the jewel colours 鈥� red and purple 鈥� associated with luxury and royalty.

• Iris 鈥楽耻辫别谤蝉迟颈迟颈辞苍鈥� and Iris 鈥楤lack Swan鈥� 鈥� chosen for their bold, eye-catching colour and striking form
• Anthriscus sylvestris 鈥楻补惫别苍蝉飞颈苍驳鈥� 鈥� a cow parsley variety with dark, purple-toned leaves, adding texture and depth
• Salvia 鈥楴补肠丑迟惫濒颈苍诲别谤鈥� 鈥� features small, delicately scented leaves and velvety purple flowers
• Paeonia 鈥楤uckeye Belle鈥� 鈥� a beautiful scarlet-red peony, representing the red of the Damask wallpaper at Kensington and Hampton Court Palaces
• Taxus baccata 鈥� the dominant structural plant in the garden. This dark-leaved evergreen, native to the UK, is steeped in legend and historically used for topiary in many classic British estates and Historic Royal Palace gardens

Plants supplier: and

Sustainability notes

Native trees, hedges, and custom-designed bird boxes and insect habitats inspired by Historic Royal Palaces鈥� features, enhance biodiversity. A sculptural metal rill channels water alongside the garden steps into an underground storage unit beneath the central entertaining area, serving both as a water source for wildlife and a practical design element. These features demonstrate how functional garden components can also be visually striking and tailored to suit any space or aesthetic.

The garden paths and paving areas have a recycled, permeable sub-base and grout to allow for SuDs compliant drainage and rendered garden walls will be formed from a Medite wood product, made from sustainable FSC certified timber.

The designer 鈥� 

鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to be celebrating my third year at RHS Chelsea with Boodles, presenting a garden inspired by some of the UK鈥檚 most iconic and historically significant sites. This incredible opportunity has allowed me to delve into the world of Historic Royal Palaces, immersing myself in the richness of our cultural heritage and drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and artistry that have shaped our architecture, landscapes, and interiors over the centuries. It鈥檚 a joy to highlight the enduring legacy of the artisans and craftsmen whose skills and creativity continue to inspire and influence design today,鈥� Catherine MacDonald.

Catherine MacDonald is a British landscape designer and head of design at Landform Consultants Ltd, where she鈥檚 led creative projects for over 15 years. Known for her award-winning show gardens, including three Gold medals at RHS Chelsea, Catherine blends architectural structure with naturalistic planting to create joyful, bespoke spaces. With a PhD in genetics, her designs are environmentally sensitive and wildlife-friendly. She鈥檚 an RHS Judge, mentor to Young Designers, and has worked on prestigious projects including gardens at Sandringham Estate and Windsor Castle.

Hear from the sponsors 鈥�

鈥淏oodles has been involved with RHS Chelsea Flower Show for five years now, and going into our sixth year. RHS Chelsea is one of my favourite weeks of the year, and I look forward to it for the previous twelve months. But the excitement starts even earlier as Catherine and I plan the next garden, usually from 18 months out. We are seriously excited about our next offering, and hugely grateful to Historic Royal Palaces for all their support in creating a really special RHS Chelsea garden. Boodles are collaborating with Historic Royal Palaces and will also be launching a new jewellery collection inspired by classic features and hidden details at these historic palaces.鈥� James Amos, Managing Director, Boodles.

Garden legacy

Following the show, the garden pavilion and other features will be relocated at one of Historic Royal Palace鈥檚 charity partners鈥� sites. Options for the relocation of plants and other elements are being progressed. Catherine and Boodles will be working closely with Historic Royal Palaces to ensure the spirit and magic of the garden will live on in its new environments.