Jo Thompson’s Glasshouse Garden at Chelsea dazzled visitors with its lush, romantic planting and carefully curated palette of deep reds, soft pinks, peaches, and hints of gold—a true celebration of perennial beauty and timeless elegance. As the garden earned its well-deserved gold medal at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, it captivated not just garden enthusiasts but also those drawn to artful expression through flora.
The allure of this garden lies in its harmonious blend of romantic roses intertwined with delicate perennials, each chosen to contribute a unique texture, color, and seasonal rhythm. This synergy creates a living masterpiece that transports visitors into a dreamlike space where every petal and leaf plays a role in telling a story of passion, grace, and natural splendor.
One cannot talk about The Glasshouse Garden without first admiring its core—the roses. Thompson’s selection included some of the most enchanting varieties, chosen not only for their captivating hues but also for their ability to thrive in the temperate English climate. Varieties such as the deep crimson ‘Munstead Wood’ and the soft blush ‘Heritage’ rose, both celebrated for their intoxicating fragrance, formed the backbone of the garden. These roses aren’t merely plants but evocative storytellers, conjuring images of classic English romance and the warmth of summer evenings.
Interspersed among the roses, the perennials brought contrast and balance. Plants like peonies, known for their voluptuous blooms and layered petals, offered bursts of peach that brightened the darker reds and pinks. The delicate foxgloves stood tall, their bell-shaped flowers adding an architectural element, while clusters of geraniums dotted the beds with vibrant splashes of color. This interplay of shapes and sizes created a dynamic yet cohesive visual rhythm that delighted the eye.
What sets The Glasshouse Garden apart is not just the selection of plants but also the masterful way Jo Thompson orchestrated their arrangement. The deep reds served as dramatic anchors, grounding the garden and giving it depth, while the softer pinks and peaches softened the overall feel, inviting visitors to linger and explore the subtleties within the planting. Touches of gold—whether through sun-kissed leaves or golden blooms—caught the light, creating moments of warmth and surprise.
The soil itself was treated as a canvas. Rich, well-prepared earth ensured that each plant flourished, supporting healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Mulching with organic materials helped retain moisture during the sunnier days, crucial for maintaining the lushness that the garden exudes. This attention to cultivation details ensured the garden’s prolonged beauty throughout the show and beyond.
Adding to the immersive experience were subtle structural elements that framed the planting. Softly curved pathways guided visitors gently through the space, encouraging slow, thoughtful appreciation. These paths were lined with low hedges and trailing plants, reinforcing the garden’s intimate and secluded atmosphere. It felt less like a public display and more like stepping into a secret sanctuary.
Many visitors recounted how the garden evoked personal memories—reminders of childhood gardens tended by loving hands or moments of quiet reflection in their own green spaces. This emotional connection speaks volumes about the power of thoughtful planting to transcend aesthetics and touch the soul.
The success of The Glasshouse Garden is a testament to the importance of combining horticultural expertise with artistic vision. In a world increasingly drawn to fast, disposable trends, gardens like this remind us of the slow beauty of nature nurtured with care and creativity. It is a place where every bloom counts, where color and form speak in a language older than words.
Whether you’re an avid gardener looking for inspiration or someone seeking the simple joy of flowers, exploring the composition of Jo Thompson’s gold medal-winning garden offers a masterclass in perennial planting and color harmony. From the stately roses to the charming companions that surround them, this garden invites all to dream, remember, and connect with the timeless beauty of nature. 🌹🌿✨