Stand RA644 (Ranelagh Gardens)
We are excited to be returning to RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the 14th year. In April we celebrated making our 700th shepherd’s hut since Plankbridge was founded in 2000. This year at RHS Chelsea Flower Show we wanted to showcase our heirloom quality by inviting visitors to step inside a Plankbridge hut that is almost 10 years old.
The shepherd’s hut is a 14ft traditionally proportioned Snug model, kindly lent to us for the show by its owners. Based closely on the proportions of the Victorian originals, The Snug is reminiscent of the most famous shepherd’s hut in history – Gabriel Oak’s hut described in the opening chapter of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd. Handcrafted in our Dorset workshop, a stone’s throw from the farm where Gabriel Oak tended Bathsheba’s sheep, The Snug offers a cosy, tranquil escape from the outside world.
Inside, the bespoke Snug hut is fitted with a double bed at one end – a partition wall separating the bed from the weekender-style kitchen. This handcrafted kitchen features a Belfast sink, handy storage cupboard and shelving. The hut also features a fold-down table/desk, bench seat and cosy woodburner.
Collaborators
Each year, we look forward to partnering with British brands who share our love for design, sustainability and getting closer to nature.
Lewis & Wood
This year, we are lucky enough to be working with the team at Lewis & Wood who will be dressing the bed with a beautiful quilt from their new collection. ‘Libertyville’ is inspired by a richly detailed appliqué quilt held in the collection of the American Museum in Bath and reflects the charm of traditional Friendship quilts. Famous for their wonderful wallpapers, the hut will also feature a framed section of Lewis & Wood’s new ‘Folklore’ design. This design is based on a 19th century American stencil pattern now part of the collection in the American Museum & Gardens in Bath. This antique wooden wall is believed to have been painted by master stenciller, Moses Eaton. Working from a photograph of the original, Lewis & Wood decided to replace one large leaf with individual strawberry leaves from Eaton’s archive.
Piglet in Bed
We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Piglet in Bed and are thrilled that they are supporting this year’s display. The double bed will be dressed with their iconic linen bedding, from their Martha collection, in mellow green and pink tones. As a special treat, Piglet in Bed are running an exclusive 15% offer on their bedding. Use code: PLANKBRIDGE15 (Valid until 18th August 2026).
The Urban Garden
We are delighted to be working with Bath-based social enterprise The Urban Garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 – the third year working together on this project. The partnership has provided six local trainees – many of whom are facing mental health challenges or long-term unemployment – with the opportunity to be actively involved in the planting scheme of the Plankbridge Chelsea 2026 trade stand.
Under expert guidance the trainees gained invaluable hands-on experience in designing and preparing a trade stand, offering a rare insight into the craftsmanship, planting choices and meticulous planning required at one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural events. This initiative reflects the transformative power of horticulture – not just in shaping beautiful landscapes but in nurturing confidence and wellbeing. Throughout the project, they have designed the planting scheme for three planters – all with different aspects and themes.
Come and say hello
If you’re visiting this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, pop by our stand and say hello! We are in our usual spot in Ranelagh Gardens (Next to The Houseplant Studios) Stand number: RA644
