Secure Success at Chelsea Flower Show: The Distinction Between Earning a Disappointing Bronze Medal and Best in Show
Winning a Gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show might seem like a breeze, given the clear judging criteria. But for many garden designers, it remains the pinnacle of their careers. Paul Hervey-Brookes, a professional designer and longtime RHS judge, offers an insider's perspective on the judging process.
"We work tirelessly to ensure the judging process is as fair and transparent as possible," says Hervey-Brookes. The assessment is based on nine primary criteria, including spatial composition, quality of construction, and planting excellence. However, each designer sets their unique scoresheet, outlining their vision, target audience, and intended use for the garden.
"If a designer describes their garden as designed for a family of four, we'll consider whether it can realistically accommodate that number comfortably," explains Hervey-Brookes. "If they claim it's a wildlife garden in shady, damp conditions, we'll expect the plant selection to be appropriate and of the highest quality."
In essence, the judges are drawn from various expert spheres, including plantspeople, contractors, designers, and others. Their duty is to help every designer excel and ensure the process is objective.
"Our goal is to praise original ideas executed with flair and polish, without fogging the picture by considering whether we like the garden," says Hervey-Brookes. "That's got no place in a fair process."
A perfect score of 30 points or more earns a Gold medal. Scoring between 24-29 points yields a Silver-gilt medal, 19-23 points results in Silver, and 15-18 points grants a Bronze. Medals are not guaranteed to every entrant; those scoring 14 points or lower leave empty-handed, which can be a difficult and emotional experience for some.
Key highlights from the 2024 show include Naomi Slade's Flood Resilient Garden and Miria Harris' innovative garden on Main Avenue in support of the Stroke Association. Both designers had unique struggles, but their commitment to creative, forward-thinking designs earned them wide acclaim.
Despite their dedication to objectivity, the judges don't consider factors like media coverage or public feedback when appraising gardens, as these elements are subjective and beyond the reach of the judging process. Only the People's Choice Award takes such intangibles into account.
Designers may struggle to maintain objectivity in the pursuit of aesthetic perfection, as they are, by nature, passionate and creative souls. Even famed designer Tom Stuart-Smith, with eight Golds and three Best in Show awards to his name, has succumbed to the temptation to deviate from the original design brief. In 2024, his garden for the National Garden Scheme added another Gold to his tally, but missed out on Best in Show due to a botched attempt at adding extra azaleas to the mix.
The Best in Show award is awarded to the Gold medal-winning garden that demonstrates remarkable innovation, impact, and appeal in comparison to its peers. In the rare event of a points tie, two judges are invited to advocate for each contender, and the final decision is made through an anonymous vote.
"The judges at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show, drawn from various expert spheres such as plantspeople, contractors, and designers, evaluate garden designs based on nine primary criteria, including spatial composition, quality of construction, and planting excellence. Each designer sets their unique scoresheet, taking into account their vision, target audience, and intended use for the garden," says Paul Hervey-Brookes.
"In addition to the Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver, and Bronze medals, the Best in Show award is given to the exceptional Gold medal-winning garden that showcases remarkable innovation, impact, and appeal. In the event of a points tie, two judges advocate for each contender, and the final decision is made through an anonymous vote," Hervey-Brookes adds.
"The judging criteria does not consider factors like media coverage, public feedback, or sports-analysis, as these elements are subjective and beyond the reach of the judging process. Only the People's Choice Award takes such intangibles into account, representing a different kind of recognition for the designers," explains Hervey-Brookes.
