#London #United Kingdom #Landscape Design #Fernando Wong #Chelsea Flower Show

Fernando Wong Triumphs with 5-Star Award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

In a remarkable achievement for Panamanian landscape designer Fernando Wong, he was awarded a prestigious 5-star recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, held in London, England. This accolade highlights Wong’s exceptional talent and creativity, as he became the first Panamanian and one of the few US designers to showcase his work at this esteemed event.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, established in 1913, is widely accepted as one of the premier horticultural exhibitions globally. The event attracts around 145,000 visitors each year, including members of the British royal family, distinguished industry experts, and gardening enthusiasts from various corners of the globe. Wong's participation in this illustrious event signifies a major milestone not only in his career but also in the international recognition of Latin American landscape design.

At this year's show, Wong created a stunning garden for renowned sculptor David Harber, which left judges and attendees enamored. The design featured a distinct formal approach, highlighted by an elegant alleé of Himalayan Birch trees, meticulously trimmed yew hedges, and a serene planting palette dominated by alliums, nepeta, and sage in soothing shades of pink, white, and lavender. This careful balance of classic structure adorned with contemporary softness resulted in a tranquil and romantic atmosphere, typical of Wong's unique style.

As Wong himself remarked, "Being one of a handful of US designers and the first Panamanian to create a garden at the world's most prestigious flower show is one of the highlights of my career. I hope the fact that we were awarded 5 Gold Stars at this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London helps showcase Latin American design talent on a global stage." His words encapsulate the significance of this event and its potential for promoting regional talent to a broader audience.

In a year where more naturalistic displays proliferated, Wong’s refined garden offered a compelling counterbalance, earning acclaim for its elegant restraint, clarity, and overall beauty. The jury praised the garden's exceptional composition, technical execution, and striking visual identity, awarding it one of the highest honors at the show. This recognition not only places Wong in the spotlight but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring landscape designers worldwide.

Wong heads Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, an acclaimed landscape architecture firm with a focus on large residential projects and luxurious Four Seasons Resorts. With offices located in Palm Beach, Miami, and Panama City, the firm has garnered a reputation for pushing the boundaries of landscape design and creating spaces that blend artistic inspiration with natural beauty.

The success at the Chelsea Flower Show certainly elevates Wong’s profile on the international stage, and it poses a question for all of us: how can nature be reimagined through design to evoke emotional responses? With talents like Wong leading the charge, the future of landscape design appears to be in exceptionally capable hands.

In a world that increasingly values art, sustainability, and cultural representation, Wong's success is not just a personal triumph, but a beacon of hope for the potential of Latin American creative talent in the global landscape design arena.