Chelsea breakfast champions environmental horticulture future
Parliamentarians and industry leaders gathered at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 this morning for the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) breakfast briefing, highlighting the growing importance of the sector in supporting healthier communities, greener public spaces and climate resilience.
Hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, the event welcomed members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gardening and Horticulture, including newly appointed chair Sarah Russell.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Environmental Horticulture Group’s partner organisations, including the Horticultural Trades Association, the RHS, the Arboricultural Association and the British Association of Landscape Industries.
Discussions focused on the environmental horticulture sector’s contribution to biodiversity, health and wellbeing, sustainable placemaking and education, as well as the importance of continued government engagement and policy support.
The timing of the meeting also coincided with the approach of National Children’s Gardening Week, with participants highlighting the value of encouraging more children and young people to engage with gardening and outdoor learning.
Jennifer Pheasey, director of public affairs at the HTA and chair of the EHG Commercial Working Group, said the Chelsea briefing has become an important platform for demonstrating the value of environmental horticulture to policymakers and wider society.
Boyd Douglas-Davies, chair of the Environmental Horticulture Group, emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration between industry and government to support a stronger horticultural future and maximise the sector’s economic, environmental and social contribution.
Following the breakfast briefing, attendees toured exhibits and displays across the Chelsea showground, meeting growers, landscapers, designers and horticultural businesses involved in this year’s show.