Chelsea Flower Show

Overview of the New Zealand Garden's Gold Win at Chelsea Flower Show

A stunning garden from the opposite side of the globe, 100% Pure New Zealand Ora, Garden of Well-Being, claimed the highest honor—a gold medal—at one of London’s most renowned horticultural events, the Chelsea Flower Show. This milestone was particularly exceptional as it marked the very first time New Zealand participated in the Chelsea Flower Show, an annual event held every May that attracts over 160,000 visitors and is recognized as a pinnacle of international garden design.

Design Elements and Cultural Inspiration

The garden was conceived to encapsulate the distinctive character of New Zealand’s landscapes. Drawing on the country’s dramatic geothermal features, the exhibit included steaming hot springs, silica terraces, and a mineral pool, alongside sweeping plantings of indigenous flora. Sculptural elements inspired by Māori legends further enriched the design, offering visitors a window into New Zealand’s deep cultural heritage.

Flora and Botanical Uniqueness

An astonishing 1,130 native New Zealand plants were sourced for the garden, many of which had never before been displayed in Europe. This rich plant tapestry not only wowed visitors but also highlighted New Zealand’s botanical uniqueness.

Achievements and Significance

The gold medal awarded is the highest of four distinctions at the Chelsea Flower Show. Out of 21 show gardens featured that year, only four achieved gold, and it is exceedingly rare for a debutant like New Zealand to be honored at this level. This makes the award an extraordinary recognition of the garden’s outstanding design and execution.

The Creative Team and Support

The creation of 100% Pure New Zealand Ora, Garden of Well-Being was a collaborative effort by a team of acclaimed experts: Kim Jarrett, the lead designer with a background in film and television; celebrated Māori sculptor Lyonel Grant; international award-winning landscape architects Trish and Doug Waugh; illustrator Tina Waugh, who originally hails from England and now lives in New Zealand; and Brian Massey, who previously worked as a horticulturist for "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy.

The project was supported by New Zealand’s tourism bureau, a strategic decision aimed at promoting the country’s unique natural beauty and culture to an international audience. “We know that many travelers interested in New Zealand are also passionate about gardens,” said George Hickton, CEO of the New Zealand tourism board. “At Chelsea Flower Show, we are able to present a side of New Zealand that many may not have seen before.”

Impact and Lasting Legacy

The garden’s well-deserved victory at Chelsea has left a lasting impact on how New Zealand’s landscapes and cultural stories are perceived abroad. Its legacy lives on and continues to inspire, serving as both a showcase for the country’s unique horticultural heritage and a testament to the creativity and excellence of its designers.

Explore Further

For a closer look at this extraordinary garden, explore the interactive journey through 100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Well-Being.

For more information about tourism in New Zealand and the Chelsea Flower Show, refer to the resources provided in Nyzeeländsk trädgård vann guld på Chelsea Flower Show.