Chelsea Flower Show presenter Nicki Chapman's tropical-inspired garden is a contemporary, characterful and tranquil outdoor space.
There's much to admire about Nicki’s garden – with large palm trees, wooden decking and raised flower beds, there's plenty of space to relax and dine. Lush planting creates a tropical oasis and offers privacy, and best of all, it doesn't even look like it's in London.
The Escape to the Country presenter and former Pop Idol judge, who lives in Chiswick with her husband, record company executive Dave 'Shack' Shackleton, previously explained that she had gone for a garden design that was 'high impact, low maintenance'.
Nicki previously told House Beautiful UK about her garden: 'When we purchased our house, it was two flats and we converted it back into one. The garden was just a mess and hadn't been loved for ages. We completely stripped it back. We got some vintage bricks to put the brick walls back in and that gave it real character and style.'
Tour Nicki's garden...
Nicki was sadly unable to present at last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show (a show she has hosted for the past 13 years) after undergoing major surgery to remove a brain tumour. During her recovery period, she described her garden as part of her 'little rehab place'.
The much-loved presenter has previously shared photos of her garden on social media, and this week, fans will see even more of her outdoor space as Nicki is hosting Your Chelsea Flower Show, every day this week at 3.45pm on BBC One, straight from her garden. Nicki and team will be giving horticultural tips and advice to viewers, giving them inspiration to create their own summer gardens.
'These special programmes will feature your fav gardening presenters & experts in the horticultural world. It’s all about floral fabulousness too,' Nicki explained.
The Virtual Chelsea Flower Show takes place all week on the RHS website (18-23 May). The prestigious horticultural show, usually held at Royal Hospital Chelsea, was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio area
Dobies Ninfea Water Reservoir Planters
These roomy pots come in three different colours and, thanks to the bung at the bottom, can be used even without a saucer for indoor use.
Material: Plastic
Size: 22cm x 17cm
Dobies Rattan Effect Plant Pot - Small
Keep the emphasis on your colourful flowers by keeping them in these understated rattan-effect pots. Buy individually or, if you've got plenty of plants to show off, you can order a bumper pack for just under £60 right now.
Material: Plastic
Size: 25cm x 22cm
Made Galvanized Square Planters, Set of 2
We think this is a great price for two sturdy iron planters. They're really large too — use them to house any lemon trees or palms in your garden, or they'd also look lovely by your front door. Choose from several different shapes.
Material: Iron
Size: 30cm x 30cm and 40cm x 40cm
Made Primora Set of 2 Tall Terrazzo Planters
If you're still not over the terrazzo trend, then you need this set of planters from Made. There's also a matching stool.
Material: Stoneware
Size: 38cm - 45cm tall
Made Colleta Fibre Cement Splatter Effect Planters, Set of 2
The industrial materials palette of these planters is softened by the curved edges for an on-trend look that's perfect for urban gardens.
Material: Fibre cement
Size: 26cm/34cm high
Wilko Moroccan Style Outdoor Planter, 43cm
Love the look of terracotta but don't have the budget for it? (Some of the bigger pots can be quite pricey!) This plastic version from Wilko is the next best thing.
Material: Plastic
Size: 41cm x 43cm
Wilko Cambridge Planter, 30cm
Here's another good budget option — this decorative pot is sturdy, hard wearing and looks far more expensive than it actually is.
Material: Clay and fibreglass
Size: 30cm x 30cm
World Menagerie Bowls Fibreglass Plant Pot
With its wide rim and shallow depth, this bowl is a perfect shape for cacti and succulents. It's available in three colours and two sizes.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 12cm/18cm high
Gardening Express White-Washed Terracotta effect Tuscany Planter
If you're looking to create a more European-style vibe in your garden, this roomy, terracotta-style planter is the perfect accompaniment for fruit trees, as well as your larger leafy shrubs.
Material: Resin
Size: 5L capacity
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
Material: Terracotta
Size: 13cm x 11cm
Weston Mill Pottery Terracotta Plant Pots With Saucers, pack of 10
Or, go for this terracotta set with saucers, if you want to be able to bring your plants indoors without re-potting them.
Material: Terracotta
Size: 13cm x 11cm
ADEPTNA Wooden Square Garden Planter
Delivered flat, this planter can be painted or stained whatever colour you please, if you fancy a DIY job for lockdown.
Material: Wood
Size: 60cm x 34cm
Bebester Wall Planting Bags, 2pcs
Short on outdoor space? No problem. Utilise the walls instead with these planting bags and create your own vertical garden.
Material: Felt cloth
Size: 30cm x 100cm
Keter Knit Cozies Indoor/Outdoor Garden Plant Pots, set of 3
Liven up your outside space with this inexpensive set of colourful planters. They can be used indoors too, if you prefer.
Material: Felt cloth
Size: 10cm x 14cm
HÂf Natural fibreglass planters, set of 2
Create some serious zen in your garden with these minimal stone-effect planters.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 50cm x 50cm/40cm x 40cm
Habitat Faceted Fibreglass Planter
Give your garden a bold update with one of these striking geometric pots — there are several shapes to choose from in black and white.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 51cm x 34cm
STRATA Square Wood Effect Planter
Another inexpensive option; these square faux-wooden pots will look smart and understated on your patio.
Material: Plastic
Size: 40cm diameter
Strata Arizona Stone Planters, Set of 2
Perfect for smaller trees, this pair of planters would look great either side of your home's entryway.
Material: Plastic
Size: 56cm x 38cm
Argos Home Skandi Metal Ladder Planter
Good for those with limited outside areas, or for balconies, this minimal planter ensures you can stack as much greenery into your space as possible.
Material: Metal
Size: 40cm x 43cm
Sankey Square Lazio Planters, Set of 2
This set looks like its made from cast iron but, fortunately, is much easier to move around.
Material: Plastic
Size: 30cm and 38cm in diameter
Create a bright and beautiful herb garden by stocking up on a few of these lovely yellow pots. The reactive glaze gives the colour some real depth. It's available in orange too,
Material: Ceramic
Size: 12cm x 12cm
These would look great lining your decking or adding a finishing touch to steps.
Material: Metal
Size: 53cm, 49cm and 44cm in length
Cox & Cox Round Rattan Ball Planter
Unlike most rattan pieces, this planter is hardy enough to withstand outside, so you can bring some of its relaxed charm to your garden space — or use it indoors too.
Material: Rattan
Size: 33cm x 40cm
Garden Trading Wooden Planter
If you're interested in improving your home's eco-credentials, this is a good choice. It's made from FSC-certified spruce taken only from sustainable sources within the EU. Just give it some TLC with some wood treatment once a year to keep it looking its best.
Material: Wood
Size: 40cm x 40cm and 60cm x 60cm
Garden Trading Kingham Planter
Alternatively, there's this tapered version, which makes an elegant option for large shrubs, bushes and trees.
Material: Wood
Size: 50cm x 50cm and 60cm x 60cm
Garden Trading Round Wall Planter
Add some trailing plants to a few of these inexpensive little wall planters to add some interest to your garden wall or fence. They're currently on sale!
Material: Pewter-effect steel
Size: 13cm x 13cm
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer. Available in two sizes.
Material: Steel
Size: 10cm x 40.5cm and 15cm x 40.5cm
Dibor Personalised Sage Green Deep Garden Planter Bucket
Looking for a gift for a gardener? This sweet sage green planter can be personalised with a message of your choice.
Material: Iron
Size: 31cm x 31cm
The London Garden Trading Co Zinc Garden Planters, set of 2
The brass welding on this pair of zinc planters makes for an unusual finish that adds some lovely contrast to the deep grey tone of the pots. Use outdoors or inside.
Material: Steel
Size: 22cm x 24cm
Fresh and bright, this versatile set will lighten up where ever they're sat — whether its inside or out.
Material: Zinc
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best decorating tips, small-space living solutions, and houseplant care advice. She also enjoys curating stylish and affordable homeware on the high street, as well as spotlighting the hottest properties on the market. Olivia covers some of the biggest events in the calendar, including all the action from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Colour of the Year forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive previews of all the new Christmas collections before they hit the shops. Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years, and her work has also been published on House Beautiful US, Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Town & Country, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista. Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies. Previous bylines include The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, The Huffington Post, Frontline Club and Pride Magazine.
