Peninsula Wild Flower Takes Australian Natives to RHS Chelsea
Dawn Allen’s Silver Gilt Winning Design at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026
Competing at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of those career moments many floral designers dream about. It is a stage known around the world for exceptional design, exacting standards and a level of floral artistry that pushes every competitor to think deeply, plan carefully and create with real intention.
For Dawn Allen from Peninsula Wild Flower, Chelsea became not only a chance to showcase her design skills, but also an opportunity to celebrate Australian native flowers on one of the world’s most respected floral platforms.
Her design, Banksia From Seed to Bloom, explored the lifecycle of the Banksia, from seed pod through to full bloom. Working with beautiful Australian native flowers and supported by growers and suppliers including East Coast Wildflowers, Wafex, The Banksia Co, Robert Luff and Gordon Meiklejohn, Dawn created a piece rich in texture, movement and meaning.
The experience was not without its challenges. As with any major international flower show, logistics, timing and adaptability all played a huge role, especially when unforeseen import issues meant some plant material could not enter the UK. But Dawn and her team adapted quickly, stayed focused and delivered a standout installation.
The result was a wonderful achievement, with Peninsula Wild Flower awarded a Silver Gilt Medal, just one point below gold. Judges noted that the floral work alone was worthy of gold, making the result a huge testament to Dawn’s creativity, resilience and skill.
Below, Dawn shares more about her floristry journey, the story behind Peninsula Wild Flower, the inspiration for her Chelsea design and what the experience meant to her.
Background & Floristry Journey
Dawn began her floristry career as a Saturday girl in a small rural flower shop in Surrey, UK. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for flowers and design. After qualifying, she went on to work on major events across the UK and internationally, including society weddings, cruise ship launches, and celebrity celebrations. These opportunities allowed her to explore every facet of floral artistry and develop a distinctive creative style.
Peninsula Wild Flower Today
Fifteen years ago, Dawn founded Peninsula Wild Flower to celebrate wildflowers in all their natural, untamed beauty. The business is rooted in the grown-not-flown and slow-flowers principles, championing sustainability and seasonality.
Peninsula Wild Flower now offers:
▪ Corporate florals
▪ Local deliveries
▪ Wholesale bunches
▪ Workshops
▪ Weddings
▪ Market florals
The Chelsea Design: Banksia From Seed to Bloom
For RHS Chelsea, Dawn created a design celebrating the lifecycle of Banksia, from seed pod to full bloom. The concept was inspired by the Floristry Lab brief, which encouraged designers to explore botanical development and growth.
The installation featured multiple Banksia varieties supported by Australian native flowers chosen for movement, texture, and seasonal availability. Dawn collaborated closely with leading growers and suppliers, including East Coast Wildflowers, Wafex, The Banksia Co, Robert Luff and Gordon Meiklejohn.
Transport logistics were expertly managed by Wafex, with Cassie providing continuous updates to ensure the flowers arrived in exceptional condition. Although unforeseen import challenges prevented the plants from entering the UK, all other floral materials arrived beautifully and performed exceptionally throughout the show.
The Chelsea Experience
Participating in RHS Chelsea is widely regarded as a career-defining moment for floral designers. Dawn described the experience as “a true pinch-me moment,” highlighting the importance of organisation, adaptability, and precision during the build. With limited workspace and tight timelines, efficiency was essential.
The RHS team and fellow designers offered outstanding support, creating an environment that encouraged creativity and excellence. Despite the setback with plant imports, Dawn and her team adapted quickly and delivered a standout design.
Silver Gilt Achievement
Peninsula Wild Flower was awarded a Silver Gilt Medal, with judges noting that the floral work alone was worthy of gold. The installation received overwhelmingly positive feedback from judges, competitors, industry leaders, and the public.
Dawn expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating that competing at this level and placing just one point below gold, was an honour and a testament to the team’s dedication and artistry.
Advice for Future Competitors
Dawn encourages aspiring designers to apply for RHS Chelsea, noting that the process is creatively transformative. “You never know what will happen,” she said. “The experience pushes your creativity in the best possible way.”
Looking Ahead
Peninsula Wild Flower is now preparing for future competitions, large-scale installations and a busy season of weddings. Dawn looks forward to applying the knowledge gained at Chelsea to upcoming projects and continuing to celebrate wildflowers in all their natural beauty.
