British Red Cross’ debut ‘Here for Humanity’ garden wins gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 

The British Red Cross has struck gold at its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, in the small show garden category.

The British Red Cross ‘Here for Humanity’ Garden, designed by multi-RHS medallists, John Warland and Tom Bannister, is a contemporary twist on an alpine garden where every plant tells a story of resilience, kindness and hope. It is inspired by Henry Dunant, the Swiss founder of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the millions of volunteers who devote their lives to supporting people in crisis in the UK and overseas.  

The garden, which will be staffed this week by British Red Cross volunteers from across the UK, has already welcomed visits from British Red Cross ambassadors including singer and Strictly star JB Gill, TV presenter Rob Rinder, and actors Amanda Holden and Jason Isaacs, as well as the London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the former football star David Beckham. 

Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO of the British Red Cross, said:  

“The ‘Here for Humanity’ garden reminds us of the power of hope and humanity at this incredibly challenging time for our world, when conflict, crisis and polarisation can feel so overwhelming. The garden pays homage to the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who devote their lives to supporting those that need us most in the UK and around the world.  

“I hope that the hundreds of thousands of people visiting the show and the millions watching from home, will be inspired to find out more about the vital work of British Red Cross and consider how they too can be Here for Humanity.”  

Liz Padmore, Chair of the British Red Cross, said:  

“Our ‘Here for Humanity’ Garden is more than a beautiful garden - it’s a story. A space where nature meets the power of humanity. The British Red Cross is part of the largest global humanitarian network, powered by dedicated volunteers who are selflessly committed to helping people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They represent that power of humanity, and I am honoured to be able to celebrate them this week at Chelsea.” 

John Warland, Garden Designer, said:  

“The British Red Cross ‘Here for Humanity’ garden being awarded the highest accolade of an RHS Gold medal provides the perfect moment to celebrate over 150 years of humanitarian work. Our inspiration was to pay tribute to the countless volunteers responding in over 190 countries worldwide, and to the power of human resilience.” 

 
Tom Bannister, Garden Designer, said: 

“Winning gold with the British Red Cross’ ‘Here for Humanity’ garden at Chelsea this year feels particularly rewarding. Building a show garden with rare alpines from all over the world was a real challenge, and I'm thrilled that it paid off. But this challenge was nothing compared to the challenges faced every day by Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers worldwide, they truly are the power of humanity.” 

The public has the chance to vote for their favourite gardens with the RHS People’s Choice Award. Voting for the small show gardens has now opened and closes for all gardens at 8pm, Thursday 22nd. You can cast your vote.

After the show, the ‘Here for Humanity’ garden will be relocated to the grounds of Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, South London. South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust provides the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK. The garden will be a space for patients, carers and staff to relax and enjoy the healing power of nature. 

ENDS  

 
Notes to editors

 
About the ‘Here for Humanity’ garden 

The ‘Here for Humanity’ garden incorporates a unique selection of alpine plants from around the world, including species native to the UK, Afghanistan, Türkiye, Morocco and Ethiopia – all countries where the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has provided lifesaving response to disasters and emergencies. The garden’s interlocking hexagonal columns, all different sizes, represent more than 190 different Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world, all united by a shared humanitarian mission. 

About the British Red Cross 

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.

About RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the Royal Hospital Grounds, Chelsea, London SW3 4SR from Tuesday 20th May to Saturday 24th May 2025.  For more information about the show, please contact the RHS Press Office at showspr@rhs.org.uk. 

You can view and download the official photographs from the Here for Humanity garden.