Chelsea Flower Show 2023; what is re-wilding, as Dame Judi Dench celebrates show garden this year

It’s not just the Royal family who have green thumbs that have a keen interest in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which begins today after a sneak preview for King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine (aka Kate Middleton). A number of names from the entertainment world have been spotted over the years enjoying the gardens and arrangements that the annual horticulture show has to offer. 

Overnight, Dame Judi Dench offered her opinion on one of the highlights of the 2023 event; a re-wilding garden created by charity Fauna and Flora International. The garden was built to celebrate the charity's 120th anniversary and the success of its gorilla conservation work, which started in 1978, and was designed to replicate the landscape of Central Africa, including eucalyptus and banana trees and a true-to-life gorilla nest set.

Speaking to the BBC, Dame Judi Dench said "I'm very interested in everything to do with re-wilding. I feel very pleased to be involved with something that is so good at [re-wilding] and that inspires people.” 

The 88 year old actress is one of the charity’s two vice-presidents - the other happens to be a friend of King Charles III and a fellow supporter of environmentalism, Sir David Attenborough. His involvement runs parallel to many of his comments made in the past regarding conversation, with the non-profit organisation focusing on protecting threatened species and ecosystems worldwide.

In particular, Sir David Attenborough’s involvement stems from the charity’s work to safeguard endangered species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants, through habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based conservation initiatives.

What is re-wilding? 

Re-wilding in horticulture refers to a gardening or land management approach that aims to restore or mimic natural ecosystems by reintroducing native plants, creating habitat diversity, and promoting ecological processes. It involves moving away from highly manicured and controlled landscapes towards more natural and self-sustaining environments.

Rewilding gardens or landscapes may include the creation of wildflower meadows, wetlands, ponds, or the establishment of wildlife corridors. By providing suitable habitats and food sources, rewilding efforts can attract a wide range of native wildlife, including birds, insects, mammals, and beneficial pollinators.