Build begins on collaborative BALI garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Build is now underway on The Hive – A BALI Collaboration, the British Association of Landscape Industries’ trade stand garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

Over the next two weeks, the 5m x 4m space will be transformed from an empty showground plot into a climate-resilient garden showcasing the craftsmanship, collaboration and technical expertise that drives the UK landscaping industry.

The garden, designed by Matt Evans of The Garden Room Living & Landscape Studio and being built by Frosts Landscapes under the direction of Alistair Bayford, has already begun taking shape onsite as Chelsea build week gets underway.

Across the coming days, materials, planting and specialist installations will arrive from BALI members and industry suppliers including Millboard, Ca’ Pietra, Creepers Nursery, Hillier Nurseries & Garden Centres, Furnitubes and Sky Garden.

While visitors see the finished gardens during show week, the build itself is a carefully coordinated operation involving long hours, tight deadlines and multiple trades working simultaneously onsite.

Rosie Sayers, Head of Marketing and Communications at BALI, said:

“Chelsea build week is unlike anything else in the industry. Every corner of the site is full of designers, landscapers, growers and suppliers working under pressure to create something exceptional in just a matter of days.

What makes this project particularly special is the collaboration behind it. The Hive brings together expertise from across the BALI membership community, with various businesses contributing their skills, materials and craftsmanship to create an inspirational space that demonstrates what our industry can achieve when it works together.”

Conceived as a flexible outdoor space suitable for urban gardens, roof terraces or shared environments, The Hive explores how landscaping can respond to climate resilience challenges while still delivering beauty, biodiversity and usability.

The Hive designer, Matt Evans, said:

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been seeing so many specialists come together with a shared vision. There’s an enormous amount of knowledge and craftsmanship involved in bringing a Chelsea garden to life, and build week is where all of those moving parts finally come together.”

The Hive – A BALI Collaboration will open to visitors at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which runs from Tuesday 19 May to Saturday 23 May 2026.