Deep in the heart of South Africa lies the vast, arid, semi-desert region of the Karoo. This unique mountainous, rocky, and sandy landscape is home to impressive vegetation made up of rare and recognizable succulents alike. This week, this special environment can be found right in the middle of London at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 – and I had the pleasure of stepping into it yesterday.
Created by the show sponsors The Newt in Somerset, the Karoo Succulent Garden is a truly breath-taking snapshot of the Karoo's biodiverse, harsh growing environment. With my own heritage lying in the Western Cape of South Africa, it was particularly warming to see some of the best type of succulents from 15 plant families celebrated at the biggest gardening event of the year. They stand out as some of the best architectural plants, with quirky shapes and growing habits that make them living sculptures.
