One of the UK’s biggest gardening events of the year is returning to BBC One and BBC Two in May.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London every year since 1913, apart from gaps during the two World Wars and during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

The BBC said this year’s themes are inclusivity and promoting gardening for all, minimum effort for maximum reward, how to garden in an ever-changing climate, and uncovering the value of gardening for our health and wellbeing.

When is The RHS Chelsea Flower Show on the BBC?

This year’s TV schedule will feature special daily programming straight from the showground, with live commentary and take-home advice from the team of experts as they share the latest designs and planting innovations in the horticultural world.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be back on our TV screens from Sunday, May 21 with the Countdown to Chelsea launching at 6pm on BBC One.

Presenters for the BBC's coverage of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show revealed

Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift will be fronting the presenter line-up on BBC One from May 21.

The duo will be on air along with Monty Don for eight days of broadcasts on BBC One and BBC Two, where they will review and analyse this year’s garden designs and highlight the innovation on display.

Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell will front the daytime coverage, which will be packed with practical take-home tips and advice on how to make the most of your garden, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener.

The presenters will also be offering money-saving gardening ideas and seasonal solutions to ease the pressure on your wallet.

Returning this year are Mary Berry, JJ Chalmers and Chris Bavin. Viewers will also be hearing from gardening experts, including Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Arit Anderson, Nick Bailey, Carol Klein, Rachel de Thame, Toby Buckland, James Wong, Mark Lane and more.

As an exciting addition to the 2023 line-up, Gardeners’ World presenter Sue Kent is joining the team.

Due to popular demand, Ask Monty and Joe returns, where viewers are able to ask the duo gardening questions, from general advice, to tackling troubles they’re facing in their garden.

Other highlights include gardening expert Frances Tophill shining her horticultural spotlight on the new plants that are making their world debut at the show.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sophie Raworth and garden designer Joe Swift will once again be leading the BBC's presenting line-up for The RHS Chelsea Flower ShowSophie Raworth and garden designer Joe Swift will once again be leading the BBC's presenting line-up for The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

Full TV schedule for The RHS Chelsea Flower Show on the BBC

The full broadcast schedule for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is as follows:

  • Sunday, May 21, BBC One - A 60-minute launch programme presented by Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift from 6pm
  • Monday 22 - Friday, May 26, BBC One - 45 minutes a day presented by Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell from 3.45pm
  • Monday 22 – Saturday, May 27, BBC Two - 60 minutes a day presented by Monty Don and Joe Swift. Starting at 7.30pm on Monday, and 8pm thereafter (TBC)
  • Wednesday, May 24 and Friday, May 26, BBC One – Two 30-minute programmes featuring the BBC RHS People’s Choice Award. Starting at 7pm on Wednesday and 7.30pm on Friday
  • Monday, May 29, BBC One - A 60-minute highlights show presented by Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift from 8pm

Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events, says: “We are delighted to be back at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show and can’t wait to see this year’s stunning garden designs and to find out more about the green ethos behind them.”

Lindsay Bradbury, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, comments: “A key theme of this year’s event will be making gardening cost-effective and accessible to all.

“I hope we can encourage more people to don their gardening gloves and get the best value out of their outdoor space. Our daytime coverage will provide helpful tips on how you can stay thrifty while flexing your green fingers.”