Beckham’s Chelsea Flower Show garden includes a hidden nod to his football career

David Beckham is swapping the pitch for plants as he helps design a new RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden with His Majesty King Charles III.

The former England captain joined His Majesty at Highgrove last week to finalise plans for the RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, a showpiece designed to spark curiosity in gardening and encourage more people, particularly younger generations, to spend time in nature.

Beckham, now an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, has helped influence several personal touches within the design. Among them are seven raised beds, a subtle nod to his iconic shirt number, and a shared enthusiasm for beekeeping - reflected in the inclusion of a working beehive.

Speaking after the meeting, Beckham said: “Both The King’s Foundation and the RHS do such great work in protecting and promoting green spaces across the UK. I want to help encourage a new generation to appreciate the benefits of nature and get involved in gardening.”

He added: “It’s been fun to be a part of creating the Curious Garden and I’m excited for people to see it at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”

Curiosity as a starting point

The project brings together an unusual mix of figures from horticulture, design and public life, including broadcaster and gardener Alan Titchmarsh, who emphasised the importance of curiosity as a starting point. “Curiosity is really the beginning of any gardening journey,” he said, adding that he hopes the garden will inspire people to explore opportunities in horticulture through training and work experience.

The garden will be planted by trainees and apprentices from RHS Garden Wisley and Highgrove, with The King meeting the young gardeners during the Highgrove visit to hear about their involvement and exchange placements between the two sites.

More about the garden

Alongside its symbolic elements, the Curious Garden will feature detailed craftsmanship, including a bespoke easel created by furniture maker Eleanor Pickin, as well as roses from David Austin Roses selected to represent The King, Beckham and Titchmarsh.

The garden is designed by BBC Gardeners' World presenter Frances Tophill, in her first RHS Chelsea Flower Show appearance. She has drawn on time spent at Highgrove and The King’s “Harmony” philosophy to shape the scheme.

“As my first Chelsea garden for the RHS, I am thrilled to be working on such a special design,” she said. “It has been inspiring to spend time at Highgrove and learn more about His Majesty’s approach to gardening… I can’t wait to share the Curious Garden with the world.”