Archie Ferguson joined the Royal Hospital Chelsea in June 2022 and has spent his first year here transforming a once desolate outside space into a magical retreat. Much loved by his fellow Chelsea Pensioners and Royal Hospital staff alike, it is also known as the Secret Garden
On 6 May, Chelsea Pensioners and members of the Royal Hospital’s grounds team joined representatives from the Royal Parks, the Royal Parks Guild and the Friends of Brompton Cemetery to sow a patch of wildflower seeds in Brompton Cemetery as part of the Battlefields and Butterflies initiative.
On 13 April, members of the team and Chelsea Pensioners congregated in Ranelagh Gardens to sow the seeds that will turn a forgotten corner into a field of wild flowers.
This year a new garden was successfully installed in Salisbury Court, the private courtyard within the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary.
For the first time in its history, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be held in September instead of May. Grounds Manager Ric Glenn says it will pose challenges as well as opportunities.
February has seen snow in much of the country, including here at the Royal Hospital. Our Grounds Manager, Ric Glenn, explains the impact of the weather and shares the first signs of spring.
After 38 years, Ron Willmore – the Royal Hospital’s Grounds Manager – is hanging up his gardening gloves and retiring. Discover how his committment was honoured, and meet his replacement Ric Glenn.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant of £62,500 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to re-examine the natural heritage of our grounds and gardens.
When the Chelsea Flower Show comes to the Royal Hospital Chelsea each May, our grounds are in the spotlight – but the gardens here are a wonderful asset all year round and an integral part of our heritage and culture.
