The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The heart and centre of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Great Pavilion is packed with bursting florals, leading scientific research and innovation as well as immersive and transportational exhibits. Here are the highlights inside the truly phenomenal big tent!

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At the centre of the Great Pavilion is the Monument Feature: RHS x CITI Season of Abundance designed by Imogen Perreau. An homage to the energy and abundance of May, this immersive planting installation draws on the symbolism of Beltane, a Celtic festival rooted in folklore that marks the shift from spring to summer.

A fully immersive walk-through exhibit will be constructed by Blue Diamond, featuring 35 metres of path and 4,000 plants, taking visitors on a journey of drought tolerant planting, growing food in small spaces and sustainable gardening practices to explore the possibilities of modern gardening. Also looking to transport visitors and calling back to the nursery’s home, Raymond Evison Clematis will evoke a Guernsey seashore with a serpentine walkway meandering between boats bursting with clematis.

Exploring the relationship between fabrics, plants and dyes, Sparsholt College’s Washday Hues will use a washing machine alongside a swathe of vibrant florals in reds, oranges and yellows to educate visitors on the history and modern use of natural dyes.

David Austin Roses returns with a Cotswold-inspired circular garden featuring curving paths lined with rose beds and arches climbing with blooms. Spanning a generous 16x16m, the exhibit is dedicated to the beauty of roses in all their forms allowing visitors to walk among the roses, experiencing shifting fragrance, colour and light at every turn, just as they would in a living garden

Celebrating 125 years of growing and their second appearance in the Great Pavilion, Frank P. Matthews will be showcasing the diversity and beauty of Malus and trained fruit forms in bud and flower. With a great variation in blossom, foliage and form, the display will demonstrate how both ornamental and productive trees can be used creatively. Also talking trees, Miles Japanese Maples will be bringing his collection of acers to RHS Chelsea, all grown from seed in the past 9-10 years to show the different growth stages of the striking tree.

Lincolnshire Pond Plants return to the Great Pavilion and will be bringing a raised aquarium with cascading water and a pond containing a plethora of plant life to demonstrate biodiversity in action.

She Grows Veg are bringing Feast to the Great Pavilion – a woodland-inspired dining space championing growing your own flavour-rich heirloom vegetables at home. Highlighting the wellbeing, zero-food-miles and organic benefits of homegrown produce, the exhibit will feature a table setting to connect the garden, kitchen and plate.

Alongside their first ever Show Garden, Plant Heritage will also be hosting six nurseries in the Great Pavilion showcasing a series of National Collections. One of which, The Brantwood Trust, will be featuring their National Collection of Wisteria marking the first time in 15 years that wisteria has had a major presence in the Great Pavilion. Featuring florals in Plant Heritage’s signature colours, Greenways Pelargoniums will educate on the history of the highly scented plants. Finally, also exhibiting their collection and starting at RHS Chelsea, British Cosmos will be giving away one million seeds to help spread the love of the plant.

Showcasing the latest and most innovative developments in horticultural science, the GreenSTEM zone is also located in the Great Pavilion and features the RHS Bringing Nature Home exhibit, using evidence-based research and interactive displays to empower gardeners to enhance their local habitats for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Visitors will similarly be encouraged to support climate resilience through acoustic technology and interactive tools in the UKCEH Nature Decoded exhibit.

Scents & Sensors by APHA explores how the olfactory senses of humans, dogs, and electronic noses can be used to detect plant pests and diseases while The University of Lincoln is presenting Robocrops: Plant Selection, Beyond the Visible, showcasing how AI can identify invisible plant traits, accelerating the breeding of resilient and sustainable crops. Nature Inspired Protective Engineering created by Blast EcoShield demonstrates how vegetation can be engineered to mitigate explosive blast waves and protect human life.

This year’s Floristry category in the Great Pavilion themed around ‘Floristry Laboratory’ features ten judged Floral Creations in rectangular frames and three larger Creative Spaces pieces that will explore the boundaries of science and art through sustainability and innovation. Aesthetically the constructions will emulate a clean, cool feel, while balancing contemporary, modern and traditional floristry styles.

And finally, to celebrate the concentration of excellence in the Great Pavilion, the RHS is releasing a Tips and Trends report from the exhibiting 2026 Growers and Nurseries, sharing the noticeable gardening trends and expert advice shared with their own customers for the most successful blooms and growth.

RHS Great Pavilion Tips and Trends report is available here: rhs-great-pavillion-tips-and-trends-report-2026.pdf

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STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

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STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL has launched a new ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative, giving customers the opportunity to test its AP System battery-powered tools before they invest via their network of approved dealers.

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

The scheme enables dealers to purchase a selection of professional cordless machines and batteries, enabling them to create their own fleet of loan tools that professionals can trial before committing to a purchase.

Available across a wide range of AP System tools, including chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers, brushcutters and lawn mowers*, the initiative supports growing demand for battery-powered equipment among professional users. Whilst there is increased interest in the tools, the upfront cost of the batteries can sometimes mean that users are reluctant to make the initial transition. This new scheme reduces the perceived risk as customers can get hands-on with the tools first and really test them in their day-to-day work before deciding what combination of tool, battery and charger to buy.

Dealers that are taking part in the programme will be highlighted on the STIHL dealer locator, which can be found on the STIHL website, from the end of April onwards. Professional users who are interested in trying AP System tools will just need to select the Try Before You Buy filter on the website to find their nearest participating dealer.

The initiative forms part of STIHL’s wider strategy to support its dealer network with the adoption of professional battery tools, as the market continues to shift away from petrol-powered equipment.

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GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

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GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy recently delivered another highly successful educational event with its Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels day, in partnership with Mansfield Sand.

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

Designed as a practical, end-to-end learning experience, the free, CPD accredited event brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.

From the outset, the day focused on building knowledge from the ground up. Attendees explored where sand comes from, how particle shape and grading influence performance, and why not all sands are suitable for sport. Sessions then moved into more applied topics, including sand specification, interpreting lab reports, and understanding the balance between drainage and stability across different sports such as football, rugby, golf and cricket.

A key theme throughout the day was confidence. By breaking down complex topics such as soil texture, organic matter content, and the differences between natural topsoil and manufactured rootzones, the event aimed to give attendees the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their own roles. Discussions around fibre sands and reinforced rootzones also challenged common misconceptions, offering practical insights into stability, divoting and recovery.

One of the standout elements of the day was the behind-the-scenes quarry tour at Mansfield Sand. Delegates were given a rare opportunity to see the full journey of sand production, from extraction through to washing, drying, screening and final quality control.

For many attendees, the quarry tour was a genuine eye-opener. Joshua Foster of RC Solutions Pitch Care Ltd explained how it changed his perspective: “We went to the Mansfield quarry, and they showed us how they produce the sand from what you see in the ground to the finished product. I learnt that not all sand comes from sandstone – it actually comes out of the ground as sand. That was something I didn’t know before.”

Importantly, the day wasn’t just about theory. Attendees were encouraged to think about how they could apply what they had learned. Joshua added: “We’re already thinking about how we do things differently, like whether we apply sand before aeration rather than after. It’s about taking that knowledge back and improving what we do.”

The diversity of attendees also played a big role in the day’s success. Grounds professionals from football clubs, racecourses, cricket clubs, colleges and contractors all came together, creating a valuable environment for shared learning and networking.

Daniel Cooper, Clerk of the Course at Haydock Park Racecourse, emphasised the importance of understanding the materials he works with. “We use rootzones, sand and fibresand, so we wanted to know more about the product we’re buying,” he said. “The quarry tour was really interesting, seeing how it all gets processed before it reaches us. The key takeaway for me is to always get the tech sheet and understand exactly what product you’re using.”

Similarly, Stephen Sargent of Derby County Football Club found the experience both insightful and engaging. “To see the different sands we use was really useful,” he said. “It’s my first event like this and I’ll definitely be doing more.”

For others, the event reinforced the value of continuous learning. Rod Heyhoe of Lightcliffe Cricket Club, who has spent decades in the game, summed it up perfectly: “You are never too old to learn. You pick something up every time. Events like this are so important because it’s about increasing knowledge and talking to like-minded people.”

The welcoming and accessible nature of the day was also widely praised. Tammy Tidmarsh of Long Rake Spar described it as “fantastic” and highlighted how valuable it was to learn about specifications and standards in a practical setting. “Without events like this, we wouldn’t be able to learn more about the products, the standards and the processes. It’s vital,” she said.

As the day concluded with a Q&A and key takeaways session, one message was clear: understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for success in turf management. By combining expert-led sessions with real-world experiences, GroundsFest Academy continues to provide valuable opportunities for education, collaboration and professional development.

With more events planned throughout the year, this hands-on approach to learning is proving to be a winning formula for the industry.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Frilford hosts water and sustainability summit

Frilford hosts water and sustainability summit

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Frilford hosts water and sustainability summit

In the run up to Earth Day, Frilford Heath Golf Club has hosted a Water & Sustainability Summit, bringing together leaders from across the UK golf industry to help the club plan a water strategy for a dramatically changing climate.

Frilford hosts water and sustainability summit

Frilford hosts water and sustainability summit

Water usage and conservation have become critical issues for golf clubs across the UK; with recent government and Water UK estimates suggesting that £60 billion is required nationwide for reservoir investment to prevent significant water shortages by 2035.

The water summit at FHGC served as a landmark occasion to examine how the 450-acre estate near Oxford, which is GEO-certified, can lead the way in sustainable course management. GEO Certification is a globally recognised benchmark for sustainable golf operations, issued by the Golf Environment Organisation.

Kevin Murray, Chairman of Frilford Heath Golf Club, commented: “Our Board is constantly analysing wider trends and demographics to maintain our position as one of England’s great golf club experiences, and being able to present excellent courses on a consistent basis is one of the biggest challenges we face in a climate that often gives you very wet winters and hot, dry summers.

“The experts at our Water & Sustainability Summit offered reassurance that we are on the correct path. They were able to show us that we are well-positioned to manage our own water resources now and in the future.”

The club continues to undertake significant actions to ensure the estate remains weather-resistant, supported by a recent £2.6 million investment across its three championship courses.

Worryingly, the industry experts believe not enough golf clubs are taking proactive action to manage the climate challenges ahead. In this testing landscape, they believed Frilford Heath is in the top 5% of golf clubs in the UK for its proactive management of water resources.

They cited the club’s success in precision resource management, headlined by a purpose-built on-site reservoir that stores winter rainfall for use during summer months. This infrastructure is further supported by new, app-controlled TORO irrigation systems on the championship Red and Blue Courses at the club.

The forum was attended by a select group of industry stakeholders, including England Golf, the sport’s governing body for amateur golf, BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, Irritech, independent irrigation consultants, Agrovista, agronomy and crop protection experts, and Toro, a global golf course equipment supplier.

Paul Sheather, Director of Courses & Estates, added: “Water conservation and sustainability are top priorities for Frilford Heath. Balancing course conditions with the expectations of members and customers is challenging given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. But, working together, employing best management practices and investing in innovative solutions puts us in the best position possible.”

Set within 450 acres of naturally beautiful heathland terrain that includes a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Frilford Heath remains one of England’s favourite golf destinations. The club was recently selected by the R&A to host this year’s Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships.

Summit attendee Andy Brown, Senior Sales Manager/Global Business Development at TORO, and club member, said: “This was an important opportunity to engage on the practical challenges of water security and long-term land management. As a long-standing member, I have a personal interest in seeing the courses maintained to the highest levels; and from a professional standpoint, it is vital to see how clubs can successfully align operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.”

Chairman Kevin Murray said the club is now discussing hosting a wider industry summit of experts and golf club managers to further the industry’s ability to manage challenging water issues.

For further information about the club, visit: www.frilfordheath.co.uk

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Bernhard Academy brings together Iceland’s leading greenkeepers

Bernhard Academy brings together Iceland’s leading greenkeepers

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Bernhard Academy brings together Iceland’s leading greenkeepers

A delegation of 13 of Icelandic greenkeepers and turf technicians came together in Reykjavik for a training initiative delivered by the Bernhard Academy, marking a continued investment into professional development for the country’s turf care sector.

Bernhard Academy brings together Iceland’s leading greenkeepers

Bernhard Academy brings together Iceland’s leading greenkeepers

The three-day programme was hosted at GKG Golf Club and led by the club’s greenkeeping team, Course Manager, Guðmundur Árni Gunnarsson and Head Greenkeeper, Kate Stillwell, who recognised a gap in access to specialist technical education across Iceland.

By bringing together representatives from multiple facilities, the programme ensured that knowledge gained would extend well beyond a single venue, strengthening standards across Iceland’s turf care community.

Delivered by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader for Equipment and Technical Management at the Bernhard Academy, the initiative focused on bridging the gap between day-to-day course maintenance and advanced engineering expertise. Over three days, delegates undertook a mix of technical learning and hands-on application, working directly with machinery used in Iceland’s unique operating conditions and logistical challenges.

The programme covered key aspects of modern turf management, from precision spraying and machinery diagnostics to advanced cutting unit set-up and long-term fleet maintenance strategies, equipping attendees with practical skills designed to improve both performance and efficiency back at their home clubs.

Stillwell said the initiative was about creating access where it has traditionally been limited, and following progress TETO has already made over the years: “This training has been a great opportunity for Icelandic greenkeepers and mechanics. Our goal was to bring everyone together to provide access and hands-on guidance that is usually hard to come by. The feedback from the 13 delegates has been very positive. It’s clear that by coordinating this as a group with SIGI (The Icelandic Greenkeeping association) and supplier, Toro Iceland, this was a worthwhile investment in our greenkeepers and turf technicians. This training was about them.”

For the Bernhard Academy, the programme reflects on its wider mission to make high-quality technical education accessible to turf professionals around the world.

Drennan added: “It was a privilege to deliver this program in Reykjavik. The initiative Kate showed in coordinating greenkeepers from all over Iceland is what made this so successful. Access to specialised training can be limited there, so being able to bring this education directly to a motivated group of professionals is exactly what the Bernhard Academy is designed to do.”

The initiative highlights the growing importance of collaboration in raising industry standards, with Iceland’s turf care professionals demonstrating how a collaborative approach to training can deliver benefits on a national scale.

Bernhard Academy continues to support industry leaders like GKG, helping to drive progress through accessible, expert-led education worldwide.

To learn more about the Bernhard Academy and its educational offering, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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