For the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, PGD and Hollander Design collaborated with British sculptor David Harber to create a garden setting for the David Harber trade stand. Rather than approach the 20-by-30-foot space as a conventional exhibition, the design placed Harber’s sculptural work within the framework of a working heritage garden—one shaped by traditional horticultural and craft practices, including willow weaving, coppicing, pleaching, vegetable cultivation, and hand-built masonry. The landscape was conceived in dialogue with a collection of Harber’s works, including the newly introduced Nexa, as well as Torus, Dark Planet, and Flo.

The compressed installation schedule required a precise approach to planting and construction. Because custom-grown plant material was not available for the trade stand, the planting palette was selected at the nursery in early spring, with an emphasis on material that could provide immediate structure, texture, and seasonal character. On site, architectural and woody elements were established first, creating the garden’s underlying framework before grasses and herbaceous perennials were layered throughout to soften the composition and introduce movement.

The completed garden balanced sculpture, horticulture, and craftsmanship within a highly considered landscape. Formal elements and traditional techniques provided a sense of permanence, while the planting brought looseness and vitality, creating a setting in which the artwork felt integrated into the garden rather than simply displayed within it.

RHS, CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW - 2026

CO-DESIGNED WITH HOLLANDER DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

HONORS:

RHS, Best Trade Stand Award | 2026

RHS, Gold Award | 2026

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Clive Nichols

A landscaped garden area with trees, purple flowers, and decorative planters. There is a sign reading 'David Harber by Hollander Design' indicating a landscape architect or designer. The area features a walking path and outdoor seating under a pergola with shade sails.
Outdoor garden scene with decorative metal sculptures on rust-colored pedestals, surrounded by green plants and flowers, with a paved walkway amid the greenery.
A garden with dense green foliage, purple flowers, and a decorative metal orb lantern casting shadows on a concrete walkway. In the background, there is a modern sculpture with blue-green curved metal strips.
A landscaped garden area with greenery, trees, plants, and decorative metal sculptures, including a large blue circular structure and a smaller globe-shaped sculpture. There is a wooden seating area with chairs and tables under a modern pergola with a wooden ceiling. A paved walkway runs through the garden.
An outdoor garden area with a centered metal sculpture of interconnected orbits on a stone pedestal, surrounded by green shrubs, tall trees with reddish-purple leaves, and four large wicker planters with green plants. The ground is covered in gravel with brick borders, and the image is framed by a wooden roof overhang.
A garden scene with woven wooden fences, green plants, and a small wooden cabinet on the right side. The area has a paved walkway with gravel.
Outdoor seating area with wooden table and chairs in a garden surrounded by greenery, decorative metal spheres, and a sign reading "DAVIDHARBER by HOLLANDER design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS."
A lush green garden with various plants and bushes, some in terracotta pots, and wooden and metal structures, including a modern, abstract sculpture made of rusted metal standing among the greenery.
A metal decorative sphere with an intricate cut-out pattern is surrounded by lush green plants and light pink gladiolus flowers in a garden setting.
Metal garden sculptures among lush green trees and plants outdoors under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Outdoor patio with wooden ceiling, surrounded by lush green trees and plants, featuring patio furniture, decorative objects, and a small kitchen sink area.

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