Every year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show delivers horticultural brilliance—and this year, Cornwall’s Caradon Stone made a remarkable impression. Featured in headline gardens and innovative installations, their natural Cornish stone became a centrepiece for designers pushing creativity and sustainability. Here's how Caradon Stone stole the show and why Cornish stone is the material of choice.
Caradon Cornish Stone in the Limelight
At the heart of Chelsea’s first Karoo Succulent Garden, sponsored by headline partner The Newt in Somerset, Caradon Stone delivered over 200 tonnes of natural Cornish rock. Used to form sculptural rockscapes, planting zones, a quartz field, tree escarpment and even a “rock piano,” the stone supported both aesthetic beauty and ecological storytelling.
The stone’s earthy tones and textures perfectly echoed the rugged landscapes of South Africa’s Karoo Desert. Some elements, including the rock piano, are destined for The Newt’s permanent display, ensuring a lasting legacy beyond the show.
Garden Designer Perspectives: Why Cornish Stone?
Katie Lewis, architect at The Newt:
“Caradon Stone’s material felt timeless yet sculptural. It captures the interplay of rock and plant, bringing ecological resilience into focus.”
Tom Trouton, project leader from The Newt:
“We poured a lot of passion into this 13-day build. The Cornish stone was structurally reliable and visually compelling, a perfect match for the garden’s complex rock features.”
These insights underline how Caradon’s stone not only forms the foundation but also shapes the narrative of resilience, blending natural strength with creative vision.
Why Cornish Stone is a Designer Favourite
Rich, Earthy Palette
Cornish stone's muted greys and warm ochres complement Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plant palettes perfectly, ideal for both succulents and pastel perennials.
Durability & Structural Integrity
Caradon’s stone withstands heavy structural demands, essential for rockscapes, terraces, retaining walls, even in temporary show landscapes.
Sustainability & Local Heritage
Quarried locally in Cornwall, Caradon Stone supports low-carbon logistics and celebrates Cornwall’s rich stone heritage. As specialists in heritage restoration, their commitment to authenticity and sustainability resonates strongly at garden shows.
Gardening Inspiration: Stone‑First Ideas to Try
From the designs at Chelsea and elsewhere, here are top takeaways for gardeners:
- Rockscapes & Succulent Beds – Scatter natural boulders and offcuts within planting zones for texture and dimension.
- Mixed‑Material Surfaces – Combine quartz fields, planting pockets, and monolithic stone elements in one layout.
- Functional Sculptures – Think benches, bowls, and pedestals crafted from single stone pieces, function meets art.
- Low‑Carbon Landscaping – Choose local stone to reduce transport emissions and support sustainable sourcing.
- Rugged Elegance – Pair Cornish granite’s warm tones with Mediterranean or coastal planting for dramatic contrast.
The Cornwall Connection
Cornwall’s rich geology emerged as a key theme at the Show. The rugged textures and warm hues of Cornish stone echoed regional identity, aligning with the UK’s growing focus on home‑grown landscape materials. Caradon Stone, still family‑owned since the 1960s, has invested in ethical quarrying and local trade, reinforcing Cornwall’s reputation as a source of quality stone.
Final Thoughts: Take Cornish Stone‑Inspired Creativity Home
Chelsea Flower Show 2025’s stone installations underscore the growing demand for durable, eco-conscious, and locally sourced materials in garden design. Caradon Stone delivered on all fronts: aesthetic refinement, sustainable production, and structural quality. The clear takeaway for garden lovers:
- Embrace natural materials.
- Source locally where possible.
- Partner with specialist suppliers and sculptors.
Let Cornish granite, and its timeless beauty be the anchor in your design.
15 Jun 2025
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Where quality meets sustainability
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