The gnome ban is lifted at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Here’s a news flash I didn’t expect to see yesterday: a lifted gnome ban at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

For the second time ever in the history of the gardening show, gnomes will be allowed at this year’s event – and it’s all to raise money for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. It’s a playful move from the Royal Horticultural Society, and it’s had me wondering if gnomes will become the unexpected garden trend of 2026.

There’s a curious story behind the ban lift, too. Here’s what I found out at the RHS Spring Press Conference yesterday.

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