Plant growers pull out of next year's Chelsea Flower Show over new 'woke' environmental rules

Plant growers are stepping back from the 2027 Chelsea Flower Show following the Royal Horticultural Society's introduction of strict peat-free compost requirements.

The environmental guidelines, which critics have labelled "woke" rules, demand that exhibitors use plants cultivated without peat-based growing media.

Two nurseries with track records of supplying gold medal-winning display gardens have confirmed they will not participate next year.

Both companies cited their inability to ensure a fully peat-free supply chain as the reason for their withdrawal.

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Industry observers expect additional growers to follow, with numerous suppliers expressing concerns about meeting the new standards.

Environmental campaigners argue that peat extraction destroys habitats and releases significant carbon emissions.

Michael Buck, who leads horticulture at the award-winning Creepers Nursery, announced the company would step away from Chelsea for a year.

Of the nursery's 26 plant suppliers, just three currently operate entirely without peat, he revealed.

Mr Buck told the Sunday Times: "It's like banning petrol cars and saying everyone has to be driving electric vehicles, but saying it has to happen next year without putting in place the infrastructure."

He warned many suppliers lacked motivation to alter their practices.

Kent-based How Green Nursery similarly declared a hiatus after supplying the prestigious event for 15 years.

Director Simon Sutcliffe expressed commitment to eliminating peat from operations but described the implementation schedule as "too tight".

The RHS has responded by dispatching an open letter addressed to the incoming Prime Minister, calling for governmental backing during the industry's transition away from peat.

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Clare Matterson, the society's director-general, said: "We remain committed to supporting industry, but we simply cannot do it alone.

"With the right Government action, the UK has an opportunity to show real leadership: helping horticulture complete the transition, protecting peatlands and demonstrating how biodiverse green spaces can support both planet and people."

The National Trust, Peat Free Partnership, and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh added their signatures alongside celebrated designers Sarah Eberle and Tom Stuart-Smith, television presenter Jason Williams, and horticultural writer Kate Bradbury.

The letter acknowledged that intricate supply chains, particularly involving imported plants, make guaranteeing peat-free status exceptionally difficult.

The current rules prohibit plants grown in peat unless propagation occurred before January 1, with this cutoff remaining fixed for next year's show, effectively requiring specimens cultivated at least 17 months in advance.

Peat compost arrives primarily from Irish and eastern European bogs, though some UK lowland sites still contribute to supply.

Gardeners have traditionally favoured the material for its moisture retention and lightweight properties.

Government targets for eliminating peat have repeatedly slipped, moving from an initial 2020 deadline to 2024, then 2026, with each milestone missed.

Labour has indicated legislation remains planned but has declined to specify a new target date.

The environment department stated: "This Government has pledged to legislate for a ban on the sale of peat and peat-containing products."

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