The Hort Report: 2nd May 2025
RHS Plant of the Year finalists revealed, and more!
Here’s your weekly Hort Report - the round-up of industry news, retail insights, home gardener gossip, influencer spotlights, social media news, and so much more.
Grab a hot drink, and catch up on the latest below…
NEWS FLASH
RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2025 finalists revealed
The RHS has announced the finalists for its prestigious Chelsea Plant of the Year 2025 award. The annual accolade recognises innovative new plants with standout features, from improved garden performance to striking appearance.
Floral exhibitors in the Great Pavilion were invited to submit entries, which were narrowed down to a shortlist of no more than 20 by a panel of RHS and industry experts. These plants will now be judged on novelty, performance, and appeal by RHS Expert Groups on Press Day at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The winning plants will be announced on Tuesday 20th May.
See the finalists here.
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Scott Galloway
Scott has been growing and studying the diversity of wild and cultivated plants since 2021 and has now amassed the largest collection of Bergenia taxa in the world! You can follow the development of his incredible collection on his Instagram page, and also find out about brand new varieties.
Visit @thebergenlist on Instagram.
SOCIAL NEWS
A tractor tour of tulip fields!
Fam Flower Farm, situated in the beautiful bulb region near Lisse, shows that everyone should have the chance to view their tulips up close! Watch the above video to see this fantastic tractor tour!
SOCIAL NEWS
My eighth-floor allotment!
Robert Dyas made my dreams of having a border on my balcony a reality! This VegTrug has allowed me to plant so much more, and make a real use of my small patch of outdoor space - and it has so many more benefits for the wildlife and also mental wellbeing.
Watch my video here.
PRODUCT NEWS
OKO launches Kickstarter for smart sensor to help plant owners “never kill a plant again”
London-based tech start-up OKO has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the OKO Smart Sensor: a sleek, intuitive device designed to take the guesswork out of plant care. Founded by mother-daughter duo Betty and Alice, the company combines precision agriculture technology with a user-friendly app to support everyday plant owners.
The sensor monitors water levels, temperature, air humidity, and pH, delivering species-specific advice through an elegant mobile interface. Unlike many plant gadgets, OKO only sends alerts when action is needed, avoiding notification overload while ensuring plants thrive.
The concept was born when Betty, an MBE-awarded agritech engineer, saw only one of Alice’s ten plants survive a house move. Realising that the technology she’d built for large-scale farming could be adapted for the home, the two created OKO. The sensor features sustainable materials, bespoke agricultural-grade probes, and an app that turns complex data into clear, actionable tips.
Starting at £65, the Kickstarter will fund the first production run of 1,000–2,000 units ahead of a Summer 2025 retail launch. Backers will gain early access and help shape future features - including outdoor options.
OKO is on a mission to help more people enjoy healthy, thriving plants with ease.
I’ve ordered one myself - so, technically, I’m investing! But you can support their Kickstarter campaign here.
HOME GARDENER PLANT OF THE WEEK
Streptocarpus as cut flowers
Streptocarpus lovers - have you tried using these plants for cut flowers? Lots of varieties produce plenty of blooms for you to snip off and pop in a vase - like the above photo by Dibleys!
BOOK
Mythic Plants by Ellen Zachos
This beautifully illustrated book offers a fresh, witty take on Greek mythology by exploring the fascinating roles plants played in ancient stories, rituals and everyday life. Blending elements of The Song of Achilles and The Secret Life of Trees, it reveals how plants were used for medicine, magic, warfare and more - from Prometheus hiding fire in a fennel stalk to the use of yarrow by Achilles and intoxicants in Dionysian rituals. Highlighting both real and mythical flora, the book also includes practical tips for growing some of these legendary plants in modern gardens.
Buy it here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Ground Level - 20th May
Join wildlife gardeners Kate Bradbury and Errol Reuben Fernandes for an inspiring evening on how to garden for biodiversity, no matter the size or setting of your space. The event includes a panel discussion with Susanna Grant, Jon Davis and Steve Williams, chaired by Tim Hewitt, plus a short Q&A and a chance to mingle with a drink until 9pm. Held at St. Mary’s, Walthamstow, you’ll also have the chance to explore its award-winning, wildlife-friendly churchyards and recently refurbished church. A paying bar will be available throughout the evening.
Find out more here.
QVC PRODUCT PICK
de Jager Fantastic Fashionably Early Phlox
The Fashionably Early Phlox from de Jager is a striking, early-flowering perennial known for its vivid colours and lovely fragrance. Exceptionally hardy and reliable, it adds height, scent and long-lasting blooms to garden beds and borders, making it a great choice for gardeners wanting to brighten their outdoor space with minimal fuss.
Buy it here.