Primary schoolchildren will be junior judges at this year’s Show to determine the winner of the new RHS Children’s Choice Award
Children look at Tom Massey’s garden with the Princess of Wales at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Children return to RHS Chelsea
Following the success of the inaugural RHS Chelsea Children’s Picnic last year, local schools are again being invited to the world’s most famous horticultural event. Children from nine London primary schools take part in the first RHS Children’s Choice Award, with the winning garden unveiled on the opening day of the show.
Growing young gardeners
The schools were chosen for their passion for growing through gardening clubs, growing their own food, and exploring ways to encourage wildlife into their grounds. All schools are part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, which provides teachers with free resources, training and support to get more young people gardening. It is hoped that the experience at the show will bolster the children’s love of gardening and nature, particularly as many of the pupils do not have easy access to a garden or green space at home.
Special judging criteria
After enjoying a picnic lunch the 72 junior judges will set off in groups to assess the eight Show Gardens by considering a series of questions:
- Is the garden a good place to play?
- Is the garden attractive to wildlife?
- How does the garden make you feel?
Designer of the
WaterAid Garden, Tom Massey welcomes the challenge of having children judge the garden. “It’s great that the kids will be judging this year. All gardens should be designed with children in mind to some degree,” says Tom, though adding, “I think they could be much scarier than the RHS judges.”
As well as judging the eight Show Gardens, the junior judges will also have the opportunity to visit the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, designed by pupils from Sulivan Primary School in South West London, which demonstrates that gardening is for everyone, regardless of age. Harry Holding designed the garden with the kids and he has some advice for his fellow RHS Chelsea designers ahead of the judging.
“Children have a completely different perspective on things, for them to be assessing professional designers – it’ll be quite interesting to see what they say.” says Harry, “The key points will be, have they got some climbing trees? Are there some fun water elements? Are there things to play and engage with?”
Read more: Deal struck to allow adults on to kids-only garden
RHS Director General, Clare Matterson, says: “The decision to include children as judges at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show reflects our commitment to cultivating a lifelong passion for gardening. The RHS Children’s Choice Award champions the unique perspective of young people and highlights the importance of nurturing a connection between children and the natural world. As the world’s greatest gardening spectacle, RHS Chelsea is a feast for the senses, and I can’t wait to hear what our junior judges make of it.”
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