Every May the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are transformed into the most spectacular celebration of horticulture in the world, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For us at Alitex Glasshouses, it’s not just a date in the diary; it’s a defining moment in our year and our company’s story.
We’ve been part of the Chelsea fabric for over 60 years, and each year we return with the same excitement, the same determination and a deep love for what we do.
Our journey at Chelsea began back in 1960, when we were still known as Byron Engineering specialising in mill-finish aluminium greenhouses. Fast forward to the 1990s, and our now-iconic, painted Victorian-style structures took centre stage. Since then, we’ve never looked back. From a modest start to a prominent pitch on Main Avenue, our stand has grown in both scale and ambition. Covering 136.5m² it’s not just a display – it’s a garden, a home and an experience all in one.
Although it only stays in place for a week, we approach our Chelsea stand with the same rigour and craftsmanship as we do with our permanent structures. We don’t cut corners. Everything must withstand the unpredictable British weather, the scrutiny of 150,000 visitors, and the expectations of the RHS judges.
Our design themes change annually – from rustic potting sheds to alfresco dining rooms and even luxury daybeds but one thing remains constant: our desire to inspire and delight. This is where the magic really happens. Chelsea is a company-wide effort – everyone from the workshop to the office, plays their part. But on the ground it’s a small, committed core: John, Paul and Nelly.
We’re on-site from 7am to 8pm every day during the build, fuelled by humour, determination, and an unofficial bake-off between Gails and Buns from Home. The days are long, but our attitude is always the same: stay calm, avoid stress, and laugh as much as humanly possible.
So why do we do it? Quite simply, because it’s the best single activity we take part in all year. The awareness it brings to Alitex is unmatched. The level of interest, the number of enquiries, and the opportunity to let people physically step inside our glasshouses – it’s a tangible, powerful experience. Chelsea helps us connect with our audience in a way no other event can.
We’re up against some of the best designers, makers, and growers in the world. And while the awards aren’t the reason we do it, they’re always a lovely reward for all the effort. Over the years we’ve been proud to earn multiple five-star ratings and the coveted Best Trade Stand Award.
Each year, we’re lucky to work with incredibly talented designers and organisations who help bring the vision to life. Past collaborations include the National Trust, Thrive, Chelsea Physic Garden, Selina Lake, The PIG and more. Together, we’ve created spaces that go beyond ‘greenhouse’ – immersive environments that feel like home, garden, and sanctuary all rolled into one.
Chelsea isn’t just a showcase, it’s a laboratory of ideas, a celebration of design, and an inspiration for reimagining our outdoor spaces. It pushes us creatively and technically, and year after year, it reminds us why we do what we do.
This year, we’re bringing the charm of a storybook English cottage garden to life, complete with a showstopping Victorian lean-to greenhouse. Designed to celebrate the nostalgia of British summer, our stand will be brimming with plants grown at Alitex HQ and by the expert growers at Form Plants.
We’re also thrilled to launch The Wainscot, our innovative new panel greenhouse base, which redefines versatility, speed of build and customisation. On top of the Wainscot base will be our beloved National Trust Mottisfont greenhouse.
Adding another layer of sensory delight, after a chat between scent lover Jo Fairley and our own Nelly Hall, we’ve partnered with Cath Kidston Padgham’s latest venture C.atherley to explore the connection between scent and memory, working alongside Fibrex Nuseries to showcase a beautiful selection of pelargoniums. Expect to be immersed in ‘Pellymania’ as C.Atherley launches their new geranium-inspired hand cream and candle.
We look forward to seeing you there this year!
