BALI is once again returning to the world’s most prestigious horticultural stage, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but this year it has something truly special in store.
The Hive – A BALI Collaboration is more than a trade stand turned garden - it is a powerful celebration of what can be achieved when an entire industry comes together with a shared vision.
At its heart, The Hive is exactly what its name suggests: a collective. It’s a place where individual talents, specialist knowledge, and exceptional craftsmanship unite to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
This year’s stand is a proud testament to the strength, diversity, and professionalism of the BALI membership community, and the incredibly high standard of quality that its members offer.
From concept to completion, The Hive has been shaped by collaboration. Designed by Matt Evans of The Garden Room Studio and brought to life by Alistair Bayford and the expert team at Frosts Landscapes, the garden showcases the very best of what BALI members do every day across the UK.
But this is not the work of just a designer and contractor. It is the result of many BALI members and partners pooling their expertise – from suppliers and manufacturers to growers and specialists – each contributing their own piece of the puzzle. The result is a seamless, beautifully executed space that reflects the professionalism, pride, and pre-eminence that defines BALI membership.
As Amy Cobbett, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BALI and an integral organiser of the garden, explains, this garden is “a direct expression of what BALI membership stands for, it’s a unified industry delivering outstanding environments for people, communities, and nature”.
Despite its diminutive 5m x 4m footprint, The Hive demonstrates just how versatile and impactful great landscape design can be. Whether imagined as a private garden, a rooftop retreat, or a public urban space, every element has been carefully considered.
Every detail within The Hive tells a story of skill and innovation across the BALI network.
From the striking pergola structure by Morvelle, engineered for year-round usability, to the beautifully textured paving from Ca Pietra, the garden highlights the quality materials available through BALI members.
The warm, natural aesthetic of cladding from Millboard demonstrates how modern materials can combine beauty with longevity, while the vibrant vertical planting installed by Sky Garden introduces biodiversity into even the most compact spaces.
Trees supplied by Hillier Trees anchor the garden with seasonal interest and ecological value, while innovative seating solutions from Furnitubes bring flexibility and functionality to the design.
Even the lighting, delivered through a low-voltage system by Landscapeplus, reflects the careful attention to sustainability and user experience that defines the project.
Individually, these are outstanding products and services. Together, they form a cohesive, inspiring space that demonstrates the true power of collaboration.
Bringing any garden to life at Chelsea is no small feat. It demands precision, coordination, and an unwavering commitment to quality – traits that BALI members display in abundance.
Under the leadership of Alistair Bayford, the Frosts Landscapes team has executed the build to the highest possible standard, ensuring that every detail reflects the professionalism of the industry. It is this level of craftsmanship that sets BALI members apart and reinforces the Association’s reputation for excellence.
