As part of its continued commitment to inspiring gardeners of all levels, Miracle-Gro has announced the second year of its sponsorship of the vibrant Floral Fantasia Garden at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex for the 2026 season.
The first year of the partnership with RHS and Floral Fantasia, in 2025, saw Miracle-Gro provide its peat-free Moisture Control and All Purpose compost for bedding plants and perennials, helping to create an inspiring, accessible space that encourages people of all ages and abilities to reconnect with nature. Despite a challenging summer of poor weather conditions, the Begonia Trial showcased at last year’s Floral Fantasia was praised for how the plants responded to growing in peat-free composts.
Through the continued partnership in 2026, Miracle-Gro is pleased to provide both investment and its high-performance peat-free compost to the gardeners of Floral Fantasia. As the lead sponsor for this year, the brand is continuing to support the Royal Horticultural Society’s vision of gardening as a source of joy, fulfilment, and thriving environments. Floral Fantasia brings together peat-free gardening and an ambition for innovation, blending them into a space that’s as educational as it is uplifting.
This year, Miracle-Gro is increasing their commitment to the partnership, to make gardening easy, rewarding and joyful, by providing detailed gardening guides at the RHS Hyde Hall flower show and supporting the judging for the Antirrhinums trial from June through to August.
2026 Trial Focus: Antirrhinums
The primary focus for the 2026 season at Floral Fantasia is an extensive summer flower trial of Antirrhinum. A firm favourite with UK cut flower growers, their popularity amongst consumers is apparent through their prevalence across social media channels, helped due to their strong stems, long vase life and wide range of colours.
This trial, one of the largest of its kind, will feature over 130 varieties of the plant. The bedding pots and border snapdragons will be grown in Miracle-Gro peat-free compost, in parallel to an RHS trial, to demonstrate what is achievable with sustainable growing media. Planting is scheduled to begin in April.
Innovation and Future Trends
Beyond the spectacular snapdragon trial, visitors to Floral Fantasia this year will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming trends set to transform British gardens in 2026. In early summer, the garden will debut a special container display of Celosia, often known as "flame flowers”, giving visitors a preview of plants included in the upcoming 2026 RHS Wisley Plant Trial. These sun-loving, tender annuals are famous for their bold, velvety flower heads and fiery colours.
As the summer sun begins to fade, inspiration will continue with the Autumn Container Extravaganza. This part of the display is dedicated to helping gardeners keep their outdoor spaces vibrant well into the cooler months.
Everyone needs a little help in the garden
Sponsoring Floral Fantasia aligns perfectly with Miracle-Gro’s brand message “Everyone needs a little help in the garden”. By supporting this colourful and creative space, Miracle-Gro is inspiring gardeners, whatever the weather, to access the benefits of gardening - taking pride in their horticultural achievements, however big or small.
Karen Wilkinson, Marketing Director at Evergreen Garden Care, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with RHS Hyde Hall’s Floral Fantasia for a second year. Last year’s begonia trial was a triumph, and moving into 2026 with a focus on snapdragons allows us to show the versatility of our peat-free and plant food range. Our mission is to nurture the nation’s love of growing with a helping hand in the garden, providing practical inspiration that visitors can easily replicate in their own flower beds or containers at home.”
The RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show, featuring the Floral Fantasia Garden, is an annual event held at the stunning RHS Hyde Hall garden in Chelmsford, Essex, between 5th and 9th August 2026.
