RHS Malvern Spring Festival School Garden Challenge
Be part of one of the festival highlights by creating a School Garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
School Garden Challenge 2026 applications are now open!
What is the aim of the School Garden Challenge?
RHS Malvern Spring Festival School Garden Challenge is an opportunity to bring together different aspects of the school curriculum into a single project, culminating in the creation of a school garden at this prestigious show.
Ideal for a single class, afterschool club or the whole school; primary, middle or secondary school-aged pupils, the School Garden Challenge is the highlight of the year for many of the entrants. The Challenge is open to schools or home educator groups, from any of the three counties or further afield, provided that the participating children are still of compulsory school age.
The Challenge is a wonderful activity for children and young people to work together to design, deliver and show a garden at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival. An opportunity to bring together different aspects of the school curriculum, whilst also supporting student wellbeing.
The primary aims & objectives of the challenge are to:
- Promote gardening and horticulture to children and young people
- Support the curriculum through a single project, including literacy and numeracy.
- Promote an understanding of the environment and sustainability amongst children and young people
- Support the physical & mental wellbeing of children and young people
- Develop confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and communication skills
- Encourage creativity & story-telling through garden design
The School Garden Challenge also represents an excellent opportunity for you to promote your school and to engage with your local community.
To help support you on the School Garden Challenge journey, grants of £300 are provided to help with the expenses associated with participation, as well as support throughout from horticulture specialists, sponsors and Three Counties’ Education Team.
What is the theme for 2026?
The theme for the 2026 challenge is Myths & Legends.
We invite young people to explore magical stories, cultural heritage and powerful symbolism through the design and creation of their garden space. Whether drawing on ancient folklore, mythology, heroic tales, or mythical creatures, the garden should tell a story and ignite the imagination of visitors.
You can be as creative as you like when designing your garden. You may decide to incorporate a tree, plant a living hedge, build a bug hotel…the possibilities are endless!
How to apply
Before applying, please read the information pack.
To apply for the School Garden Challenge, please head over to the Compete Page.
Additional Information
Click here for the RHS Shows’ Biosecurity Policy and Regulations Guidelines
To be added to the mailing list for future years, please contact the Education Team
The 2026 School Garden Challenge is kindly supported by Syngenta Flowers and Bransford Webbs Plant Company.
If you’re still not sure about taking part take a look at what some of the schools have to say who have built gardens in the past:
Jenny Parkes
Farm Manager, Bredon School, Tewkesbury
Claire Tyrrell-Smith
Deputy Head Teacher, Greenfields School, Kettering
Amanda Lambourne
Project Coordinator, Three Counties Home Educators
