For the first time in history, at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, an underwater flowering plant will take centre stage. Seagrass, the only plant that blooms beneath the ocean’s surface, will be featured in the Seawilding Garden this May. Designed by Ryan McMahon of MUSA Landscape Architecture, the garden will highlight Scotland’s coastal biodiversity while supporting marine restoration efforts.
This exhibit is more than just a floral showcase—it’s a call to protect the UK’s fragile marine ecosystems. Seagrass plays a crucial role in carbon storage and marine life conservation. However, 95% of the UK’s seagrass meadows have vanished. The Chelsea Flower Show 2025 aims to inspire visitors to take action.
Chelsea Flower Show 2025: An Inspiring Design
The Seawilding Garden brings Scotland’s west coast to life with an ambitious and inspiring design. At its heart, a glass saltwater tank showcases vibrant green seagrass, giving visitors a rare, up-close view of this underwater marvel. Surrounding it are native plants like globeflower and string sedge, reflecting the lush beauty of Scottish wet meadows.
A stone path winds through the garden, leading visitors past a charming pebble beach that provides an authentic coastal vibe. Standing tall at 2.5 meters, the stunning seagrass sculpture, crafted entirely from recycled scrap metal, serves as a powerful symbol of biodiversity restoration.
Local schoolchildren are pitching in by growing some of the plants, making this a true community effort. Even the shells and pebbles scattered throughout the garden will come straight from nearby beaches, adding a personal touch to the design.
After Chelsea, Garden Finds a Home Underwater
Once the Chelsea Flower Show ends, part of the Seawilding Garden will be relocated to the ocean floor. The aim is to contribute to seagrass restoration efforts in the UK’s coastal waters.
Other elements, including plants, will be donated to a Scottish village for community events.
The seagrass sculpture will become part of a public sculpture trail on the Isle of Lunga, continuing to educate visitors about marine conservation.
The Seawilding Garden will compete in the All About Plants category, but its impact will reach far beyond Chelsea.
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