RHS Malvern Spring Festival at Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire (Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 May) marks the launch of the 2026 RHS Show season. It is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors across the four days. It opened its doors to the press and public yesterday showcasing six show gardens, three feature gardens, the return of the RHS-judged Indoor Plant Gardens, and the introduction of a brand-new category for 2026: ‘Blooming Borders’.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival at Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire (Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 May) marks the launch of the 2026 RHS Show season. It is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors across the four days. It opened its doors to the press and public yesterday showcasing six show gardens, three feature gardens, the return of the RHS-judged Indoor Plant Gardens, and the introduction of a brand-new category for 2026: ‘Blooming Borders’.

1 Sustainability showcased 

ONE Garden, which took home both Best in Show and Environmental Innovation award, aimed to showcase sustainable materials and techniques. Designer Ian McBain told Pro Landscaper, “Everything in this garden can be repurposed and reused. So it’s about having the conversation with clients, making them aware that there are alternatives. We just have to work a bit harder. We just have to think more cleverly.” The garden uses K-Briq made from construction waste tied together to create planters which can be taken apart and reused. It also features screening made from scaffolding boards which would otherwise be chipped or wasted. 

2 Bringing wildlife into ordinary gardens

Lifted by Birds, designed by Tom Saunders, Jon Pilling and Amie Wheeldon is cement free and utilises local stone and reclaimed timber. The pond area has even attracted a tadpole. The stone has been laid on top of sand with turf packed in between. This utilises environmentally friendly materials but also provides a good habitat itself. The garden aims to show how a garden can support wildlife and was awarded the Highly Commended in the Environmental Innovation award category. 

3 JG Landscaping wins Best Construction award

JG Landscaping took home the Best Construction for a Show Garden award for The Blessings from the Sea garden. The garden’s creative use of sustainable materials, including roof tiles made from 176 recycled safety helmets and mother-of-pearl accents from waste seashells, add to the garden’s green credentials. Jason Grubb, owner at JG Landscaping, told Pro Landscaper that getting the award “makes it worth it”. He adds that you “couldn’t want any more” than the good feedback from judge Mark Gregory, who was particularly impressed with the construction, copper work and water elements and said the construction would hold up at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 

4 Blooming borders launched to showcase emerging talent

This planting design category is for garden designers, plants people, horticulturalists and landscapers to help kick-start or further their careers. Each border has been designed with a unique theme. Designed by Tomas Olesen and built by Oxford Garden Design, After the Rain took home Best Blooming Border. The garden aims to showcase how practical water management can also be design features. 

5 Schools try their hand at garden design

The School Garden Challenge returned for 2026 encouraging young people from the surrounding counties to design their own gardens. This year’s School Garden theme was Myths and Legends. The Wyvern, The Bridge School, Malvern won Best School Garden and Whispers of the Wye, Wye Forest Federation won Best for Sustainability. Other awards included Best Use of Colour awarded to Mythical Plants and Where to Find Them, Pershore College, Warwickshire; Best Use of Recycling won by Up the Airy Mountain, Down the Rushy Glen, Tudor Grange Academy, Worcester; Best Wildlife Garden awarded to The Ladybird’s Path, Grace Kelly Childhood Trust, Worcester and Most Innovative Design won by The Garden of Arthur, The River School, Worcester. 

6 Best Indoor Plant Garden awarded

Back to Grandma’s House by Alina Hibbert and Adam Critien from Avon took home the accolade. Built using recycled and upcycled materials, the design promotes affordable, sustainable living while highlighting the mental health benefits of bringing nature indoors. Hibbert says the award “means the world”. She adds, “It’s been a dream since I was a kid to do an RHS show garden.” 

Speaking to Pro Landscaper Hibbert says that while the enthusiasm for houseplants dropped off a bit since the Covid-19 pandemic it has started to creep back up again. Hibbert added that this is being helped by the people showcasing the easier houseplants. 

7 Greenfingers Charity secures future for its garden

Following the show, the Greenfingers Charity will carefully dismantle, relocate and rebuild the ‘Lifted by Birds’ garden at the James Hopkins Trust. This is intended to create an outdoor sanctuary for children with life-limiting conditions, alongside their families and care teams. Once complete, the garden will offer a rich, sensory environment designed to support wellbeing, combining naturalistic planting with wildlife-friendly features to create moments of calm, engagement and escape.