Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary Through Tea, Craft and Garden Sanctuary 

To mark its 140th anniversary, British heritage brand Whittard of Chelsea will unveil a specially commissioned garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, celebrating the brand’s heritage of curiosity, craft and transformation; qualities that have quietly defined Whittard of Chelsea for over a century. 
 
Designed by award-winning landscape designer Ollie Pike, the garden reimagines tea - an everyday ritual - as something extraordinary. Portrayed as a private Chelsea Townhouse courtyard garden, the space hypothetically belongs to an eccentric, maverick tea enthusiast:  the sort who is never without a kettle on the boil and someone who is experimental and curious, who blends their own infusions by day and retreats to the back of the garden by evening, finding sanctuary away from the city beyond. 
 
At its heart, the garden is a meditation of ritual, texture and sound. The gentle pour of tea, so culturally significant across the world, and particularly close to British hearts, becomes a red thread running through the space, brought to life through trickling water features - creating a relaxing flow and multi-sensory experience for visitors. 
 
A Garden Rooted in Heritage, Experimentation and Sustainability 
Sustainability sits at the core of the design, with 95% of materials recycled or reclaimed, reflecting Whittard of Chelsea’s commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and responsible innovation. Everyday objects are repurposed into something unexpected and beautiful - mirroring the brand’s own journey of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary blends. Beautiful Yorkstone paving which that was taken out as part of the redevelopment in and around Sloane Square has been woven into the design of the garden, bringing an even stronger touch of Chelsea, quite literally underfoot. 
 
The planting palette is rich, fragrant and immersive, drawing inspiration from tea infusions found across Whittard of Chelsea’s history. Many of the plants are traditionally used in herbal teas and infusions, including peppermint, lemon balm, roses, nettles, and birch creating a garden that feels both experimental and deeply natural. Colour is layered and expressive, evoking the warmth, depth and diversity of tea cultures around the world. 
The result is a space that celebrates heritage craft, creativity and the restorative power of gardens - a place to pause, reflect and reconnect, preferably with a cup of tea in hand. 
 
Meet the Designer: Ollie Pike 
The Whittard of Chelsea Garden marks a significant milestone for Ollie, representing the first RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden to carry his name. 
Ollie’s journey into landscape design began with a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors, growing up in Southwest England. With early interests in art, design, human geography and social values, he went on to study Landscape Architecture at university, drawn to the idea of creating spaces that genuinely improve people’s lives. 
At just 23, Ollie was selected for the RHS Young Designer Competition and has since gone on to design two show gardens, earning accolades including Best in Show and the Environmental Innovation Award. His work is defined by a strong social conscience, sustainable thinking and a belief that gardens should be places for people - spaces that invite interaction, reflection and joy. 
 
“Creating spaces where people feel something - whether that’s calm, curiosity or connection - is incredibly rewarding,” says Ollie. “This garden is about celebrating ritual, experimentation and sanctuary, which feels like a perfect fit for Whittard. The brand’s heritage sits at the heart of this garden. We imagined it as an old Chelsea courtyard and details like the water spouts are inspired by the ritual of pouring tea, while the materials and planting reflect an experimental, sustainable approach. It’s designed as a calm, green sanctuary where anyone can pause and enjoy a mindful cup of their favourite hot drink.” 
 
As Whittard of Chelsea marks its 140th anniversary this year, the garden also becomes a quiet homecoming. Founded in Chelsea in 1886, the brand’s presence at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a meaningful return to its roots, celebrating the place where its story first began. Subtly woven into the design, this sense of origin reinforces Whittard of Chelsea’s long-standing connection to Chelsea and reflects a legacy shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship and the simple pleasure of taking time over a cup of tea; values that continue to define the brand today.  
 
The Whittard of Chelsea Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 celebrates the brand’s 140-year legacy while making a forward-looking statement on sustainability, creativity, and everyday rituals. Following the show, the garden will be donated to a community centre, allowing its emotive impact to be enjoyed for years to come.