ReTh!nk at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

In 2022 we inspired gardeners from around the world at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to ReThink, and garden more sustainably. Working in partnership with our sustainability ambassador and warrior on waste, Lynne Lambourne we created and immersive experience that highlighted some key issues facing the climate crisis. 

For over 50 years GARDENA has provided passionate gardeners from around the world with everything they need to realise their gardening dreams. From innovative, water saving irrigation solutions, to practical, durable cutting tools, and everything in between. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, working closely with Lynne, we aim to encourage people to ReThink their outside spaces.

We’re so excited to announce that this year we will be working with Lynne again to continue to inspire gardeners to make more sustainable choices, with innovation in mind.

About Lynne

In 2023, Lynne was officially named GARDENA’s sustainability ambassador for the UK, and has since been working closely with the brand to educate and inspire people to garden greener than ever.

Lynne is also passionate about teaching future generations about how to take better care of our planet with her ‘Warriors on Waste’ movement.

Lynne believes that sustainability is not an option that a company chooses to include, but something that should be embraced and implemented thoughtfully. 

“Last year we focused on rewilding, allowing nature to take control over things that we have done to harm the planet in the past.

“This year we want to look to the future and  inspire people to think of sustainability and innovation in synergy. A sustainable garden can not only be a space to grow your own and reconnect with nature, but it can also look modern and beautiful.

“Ultimately, we want to show people that sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean taking drastic measures, it can be simple things, like making the most of your green spaces and making more environmentally friendly purchasing decisions.

“Every element of the garden and its design has been thoroughly considered, working with sustainable suppliers, affectionately known as our ‘sustainability tribe, we are ensuring zero waste; everything you see at the garden will be reused and repurposed.”

This year, we are so excited to announce a collaboration between GARDENA and Ocean Plastic Pots, based in Scotland.

OPP was founded by Ally Mitchel, a former commercial diver who was asked to join a salvage operation in the Isle of Sky. The ship they were salvaging was carrying around 2,000 tons of shredded plastic. After seeing first hand the effects of plastic pollution in our seas, it inspired Ally to create Ocean Plastic Pots.

The team now salvage and recycle washed up plastics from the Scottish shoreline, to create these beautiful, unique plant pots.

After meeting with Ally, the GARDENA team saw an incredible opportunity to collaborate, in particular with the EcoLine range of products, which are mostly made from post-consumer recycled plastics.

After months of planning and preparation, we have created a truly unique pot, made from post-consumer recycled plastic waste that we use in our EcoLine product range, and ocean plastic waste from the beaches of Scotland.

The pots will feature as part of our Chelsea Flower Show trade stand garden and be given away with every purchase at CFS via our retail partner during the show. 

To find out more about the collaboration, check out our YouTube video.

Lynne said: “I have been working with a number of suppliers, my sustainability tribe, to help create the vision of a aesthetically beautiful garden, that also carries a strong message. Without giving too much away, I would love to thank the following brands for their support.

Ocean Plastic Pots have created incredible bespoke GARDENA X OPP pots for the garden.

We have also collaborated with the amazing Smile Plastics – who  create 100% recycled and recyclable panels to contribute to the circular economy.

Greenshoots – will be growing and providing all plants for the garden. The Charity’s aim is to provide a safe environment where people are able to build or rebuild their skills, confidence and, where possible, move into full employment.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. A UK based family run company, passionate about providing innovative paint solutions to stop furniture landfill.

Thorndown - providing eco-friendly wood paint with minimal VOC, using 100% recycled plastic resin in the paint.

RocketGro compost - providing all of the compost for the garden. RocketGro is a peat and chemical free compost. RocketGro products are brought to life through the process of anaerobic digestion on their farm in Somerset. They also produce bio-gas that powers 8000 local homes with green energy.

Polywood – a company that creates stunning, high-quality outdoor furniture, created from recycled plastics will feature in the garden.

We are also working with Envirobuild – a leading sustainable supplier in the construction industry, who have saved the equivalent of over 195,000,000 plastic bottles from landfill by using recycled materials in their products.

Oxleys furniture - a company that provides sustainable, luxury outdoor furniture with enduring craftsmanship to last a lifetime, based in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Schiedel fireplaces – a company that puts sustainability at the heart – creating environmentally friendly and low energy efficient solutions.

Charlie Oven – hand made in Britain and made to last, will also feature in our garden.

More to be revealed soon!

In addition to our garden, GARDENA has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award for both the GARDENA new Micro-Drip-System and EcoLine hose.

New and improved for 2023, the new GARDENA Micro-Drip-System is a truly sustainable irrigation solution, saving up to 70% water consumption when compared to standard irrigation methods. The components in the Micro-Drip-System are also made from over 65% recycled plastics.

The EcoLine hose, is an incredibly tough, durable hose that compliments the existing EcoLine range. Made from over 65% , post-consumer recycled plastics and comes with an outstanding 30 year warranty.

Both shortlisted products also come in 100% recycled packaging which can also be recycled again.