Chelsea flower show garden designers clash over use of AI

Garden designers at the Chelsea Flower Show are publicly divided over the use of artificial intelligence in garden design, with some exhibiting fully AI-created gardens and others condemning the approach as a betrayal of traditional craftsmanship.

Matt Keightley, an award-winning designer, is using an AI platform called Spacelift to design three gardens for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, which will be entirely created through the app. Keightley stated that Spacelift offers a starting point for homeowners to create gardens, aiming to democratize design and boost confidence.

However, this has sparked a debate among horticulturalists and garden designers. Andrew Duff, chair of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD), argued that successful garden design relies on creativity, empathy, and experience that AI cannot replicate. He emphasized that AI tools may support, but not replace, human designers.

Yvonne Price, a garden designer who has exhibited at RHS Hampton Court, criticized Chelsea for showcasing an AI-designed garden, calling it a betrayal of the show’s tradition. Meanwhile, Nadine Mansfield, another award-winning designer, questioned the relevance of the AI gardens with a sarcastic remark about job prospects.

Tom Massey, a Chelsea gold medallist, has previously used AI for data tracking but expressed concern about AI replacing human designers. Massey clarified that AI’s role is limited to data analysis, not the creative process, and warned that AI could produce designs similar to those of human designers if given access to their work.

The AI gardens at Chelsea include a rural-inspired scheme with reclaimed materials, a compact urban balcony garden, and a woodland-themed wellbeing space with a sauna and cold shower. Spacelift’s representatives argue that their platform aims to expand access rather than threaten jobs, by helping homeowners better communicate their needs to professional designers.

Why It Matters

This controversy highlights the broader tension between technological innovation and traditional craftsmanship in creative fields. The debate at Chelsea reflects concerns about AI’s potential to automate artistic work, risking the devaluation of human skill and experience in garden and landscape design. The outcome could influence how the industry adopts AI tools in the future, affecting both professional designers and homeowners.

Background

The Chelsea Flower Show is a prestigious event that showcases innovative garden design. This year, the inclusion of AI-designed gardens marks a significant shift, sparking debate about the future role of technology in horticulture. Previous uses of AI in gardening have been limited to data and environmental monitoring, but this is the first instance of AI being used for entire garden concepts at the show.

“We’re used to using technology to design every part of our homes – except our gardens. Spacelift changes that. It gives people a starting point, a plan, and the confidence to actually create something – not just imagine it.”

— Matt Keightley

“Successful garden design is an art form. It is rooted in creativity, collaboration, experience and human connection. While technology may offer useful tools, it cannot replicate the insight, empathy and personal engagement that comes from working with a skilled garden designer.”

— Andrew Duff

“Chelsea should not be giving the AI garden a platform. That it’s being shown at Chelsea – which is the world-leading show for garden design – feels like a betrayal.”

— Yvonne Price

“I don’t think we will see robot designers going out there doing surveys and designing gardens. I am worried about what it will do to the industry. An AI could produce something very similar to my designs if given access.”

— Tom Massey

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how widespread the use of AI will become in professional garden design after Chelsea, and whether traditional designers will integrate these tools or reject them entirely. The long-term impact on employment and industry standards is still uncertain.

What’s Next

Next steps include industry discussions on AI’s role, potential regulations, and how garden designers will adapt. The Chelsea Flower Show will reveal how the public and critics respond to AI-designed gardens, shaping future industry trends.

Key Questions

Will AI replace human garden designers?

It is not yet clear. Many designers see AI as a tool to support, not replace, human creativity. The industry is divided on this issue, with some fearing automation and others embracing it for efficiency and accessibility.

What are the benefits of using AI in garden design?

Proponents argue AI can democratize design, provide inspiration, and help homeowners better communicate their needs. It can also analyze environmental data to inform sustainable choices.

Are AI-designed gardens at Chelsea permanent installations?

Yes, the three gardens designed entirely with the platform will be exhibited at Chelsea next week, showcasing AI’s capabilities in creating full-scale garden concepts.

How are traditional designers reacting to AI’s involvement?

Reactions are mixed. Some see it as a useful tool, while others see it as a threat to the artistry and craft of traditional garden design, leading to public debates and industry discussions.