Applications are now live for the 2026 portfolio of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Shows across a variety of categories at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, RHS Badminton and Sandringham Flower Shows.
RHS Badminton Flower Show
Table of Contents
Show dates: 8 – 12 July 2026
RHS Young Designer of the Year
Open to applicants who will be aged 30 or younger in 2026, the Young Designer category is a valuable opportunity for designers, plantspeople, and contractors to kickstart their careers.
Formerly held at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park and more recently, RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse, this award has previously been won by the likes of 30 Under 30 alumnus Ashleigh Aylett, and Rachel Platt.
Funding of £15k will be provided from the RHS per successful applicant.
Deadline: Monday 13 October 2025
More information on RHS Badminton garden categories can be found here.
RHS Sandringham Flower Show
Show dates: 21 – 26 July 2026
Grow Forwards Gardens
New to the 2026 RHS show run, the Grow Forwards Gardens category looks to exhibit the latest in horticultural design and research and development, with the aim of empowering visitors to understand how and why garden design can mitigate against climate change and improve landscapes.
Partnerships with companies whose ethos and products are recognised for their sustainability are also welcome in the Grow Forwards category.
Funding of £15k will be provided from the RHS per successful applicant.
Deadline: Friday 31 October 2025
More information on the Grow Forwards category can be found here.
Designed to champion resilience and innovation in coastal gardening, the Creative Coastal category celebrates the unique conditions of seaside environments.
Funding of £8k will be provided from the RHS per successful applicant.
Deadline: Friday 31 October 2025
More information on the Grow Forwards category can be found here.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2027
Show dates: TBC
The Balcony and Container Gardens category is a mentored category open to designers who have not exhibited a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Applications are now closed for the 2026 show but interested applicants should get in touch with Graeme Maynard from the RHS Shows team to find out more about applying in the future.
To provide a clearer overview of the opportunities at the upcoming RHS Flower Shows, we’ve compiled a concise summary table. This table highlights key dates, categories, and funding details, allowing potential applicants to easily identify the best fit for their expertise and ambitions.
| Flower Show | Category | Application Deadline | Funding (per successful applicant) | Show Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHS Badminton Flower Show | Young designer of the Year | October 13, 2025 | £15,000 | July 8 – 12, 2026 |
| RHS Sandringham Flower Show | Grow Forwards Gardens | October 31, 2025 | £15,000 | July 21 – 26, 2026 |
| Creative Coastal | October 31, 2025 | £8,000 | July 21 – 26, 2026 | |
| RHS Chelsea flower Show 2027 | Balcony and Container Gardens | Closed for 2026 | N/A (Mentored Category) | TBC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To further assist aspiring applicants, we’ve curated a complete FAQ section addressing common questions and providing clear, concise answers. This section aims to equip potential entrants with the facts they need to navigate the application process and maximize their opportunities.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the RHS Young Designer of the Year award?
A: The Young Designer of the Year award is open to individuals who will be aged 30 or younger in the year of the show, 2026.
Q: What is the focus of the Grow Forwards Gardens category at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show?
A: the Grow Forwards Gardens category aims to showcase the latest advancements in horticultural design and research, focusing on mitigating climate change and improving landscapes through innovative garden design.
Q: can companies partner in the grow Forwards Gardens category?
A: Yes, partnerships with companies that align with sustainable ethos and products are welcome in the Grow Forwards category.
Q: What is the Creative Coastal category about?
A: The Creative Coastal category celebrates innovation and resilience in coastal gardening, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by seaside environments.
Q: Is funding available for the Balcony and Container Gardens category?
A: No, the Balcony and Container Gardens category is a mentored category that does not provide direct funding. Though, it offers invaluable mentorship and support to designers.
Q: Were can I find more information about the RHS Badminton Flower Show categories?
A: Additional information can be found here.
Q: Where can I find more information about the RHS Sandringham Flower Show categories?
A: Detailed information about the Sandringham Flower Show categories can be found here.
Q: How do I find out more about applying for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Balcony and Container Gardens category in the future?
A: Interested applicants can contact Graeme Maynard from the RHS Shows team for further information on future applications.
