Floral Pedestals at RHS Sandringham

Floral Pedestals show off exceptional artistry on a small scale. Not judged for RHS Medals but eligible for unique RHS Sandringham Awards for Floristry chosen by Shane Connolly

Full Bloom Created by Katie Gavaghan

A display of colourful dried flowers and foliage is woven into a 3D wreath on a handmade, freestanding wooden base. The palette is inspired by a country garden in full bloom, with hues that intensify toward the centre, drawing the gaze through the beautiful composition. As part of a family that has been making dried wreaths for over 35 years, the designer has focused on a selection of homegrown and wild plant materials.

Through the Magnifying Glass Created by Danial Spillane’s Floral Art

This exhibit draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of a summer carnival, serving as a vivid celebration of colour while paying tribute to the vital role of the humble bumblebee. The palette is bright and bold, in shades of orange, yellow, blue, purple and cerise. All flowers and foliage are held in test tubes and containers, with a bowl of water at the base to ensure they stay fresh throughout the week. By incorporating a variety of textures and contrasting flower shapes, the piece seeks to address the pressing issue of the declining bee population in the UK, raising awareness of their indispensable contribution to sustaining the flower industry and inspiring action toward their preservation.

Between Two Vessels Created by Violeta Veikniene

Two connected vessels form a single composition, from which a delicate cascade of flowers flows. The design creates a sense of movement and lightness, drawing the eye from the structured forms at the top into a soft, trailing display below. As themes of connection and continuity are explored, separate elements are brought together into a harmonious whole, reflecting the designer’s interest in expressive, flowing forms and the way individual parts can be joined to create balance and unity. Key features include an asymmetrical cascading line, fine trailing materials and a contrast between the solidity of the containers and the fluidity of the flowers.

100 Years Wild: A Royal British Garden Created by Simon Fraser at Dramatic Botanics

A century of natural wonder is captured through the gentle palette of the British countryside in this living celebration of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. Prehistoric Jurassic ferns unfurl their ancient fronds alongside statuesque fennel, echoing Sir David’s lifelong journey through natural history. Soft pastel delphiniums reach skyward in whispers of powder blue, lilac and blush pink, a nod to the blooms and traditional cottage gardens on the Sandringham Estate. Standing as quiet monuments to nature’s artistry are sculptural seedheads such as teasels, honesty and nigella, while jewel-like raspberries nestle among the foliage. This is a garden that honours all seasons, just as Sir David has helped us see every corner of our living world.

Harmony of Light Created by Ryoko Kanazawa

The sun gives us countless blessings. It helps plants grow through photosynthesis, which provides us with food and shelter. It warms our days and its light helps our bodies produce vitamin D. This display takes the idea that we can all be like the sun, radiating comforting light and passing it on to others, making the world a better place. The flowers represent human beings, while coloured wood reflects the light that sparkles within them. The result is a graceful and elegant installation that embodies connection and harmony. It encourages people to feel more confident and positive about themselves, aiming to reduce the stress and anxiety that characterise modern society.

Inside Out Upside Down Created by Mihaela Corches

This display is inspired by the visionary work of Alexander McQueen, a British fashion designer famous for his theatrical storytelling. It plays on McQueen’s determination to preserve his authenticity while battle societal pressure. What is usually hidden becomes visible and what is expected is reversed. Banksia and Protea stems are deliberately revealed, with their structural frameworks laid bare rather than concealed. Blooms are turned downward in quiet defiance of their natural posture. Rooted in the belief that distortion can lead to transformation and creativity can bloom in unexpected directions, the display ultimately invites introspection and suggests resilience, challenging the viewer to reconsider where beauty truly resides. 

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