Jamie Oliver backs Eden Project garden for Chelsea People’s Choice Award

A taste of what’s coming to Morecambe

The garden was created to mark the Eden Project’s 25th anniversary year, and it offers the first proper look at Eden Project Morecambe, which opens in 2028.

Inspired by the landscapes and communities of Morecambe Bay, it was designed by Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis and co-created with young adults from Morecambe. The design combines immersive coastal planting, edible planting and sustainable materials, with a dramatic shell-shaped structure at its centre that doubles as an outdoor learning space.

Jamie spent time exploring the planting and admiring that structure. And the edible side of things clearly won him over.

He said: “It’s stunning in every possible way. It’s got natural beauty but also the most incredible sense of design and architecture. The use of light and the abundance of natural product within the structure is absolutely beautiful.

“But of course I love it because nearly all of this is edible, which is amazing. You’ve got samphire, fennel, herbs and so much throughout the garden.

“When you’re working with young people, it’s just the best thing in the world. Nature is a beautiful thing, but when you get kids designing and creating spaces, they’re so incredibly creative and unrestrained.

“I love the vision and I love everything the Eden Project represents. As it grows around the world and now in Morecambe. This is amazing. I’m in awe.”

Why young people are at the centre of it

Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project, said welcoming Jamie to the garden was a chance to share the wider vision for Morecambe.

“Creating opportunities for young people is at the heart of this project, from green careers and food growing to creativity, technology and community engagement,” Andy said.

“We want this to be a place that inspires the next generation and helps Morecambe flourish for decades to come.

“We’d love people to get behind the garden and vote for us in the People’s Choice Award. This garden is all about Morecambe, its people and its future, and every vote helps us share that story with even more people.”

What happens after Chelsea

Once the show wraps up, the garden won’t be dismantled and forgotten. It will relocate permanently to Morecambe, where it becomes part of a free public community garden and outdoor learning space ahead of the 2028 opening.

The Chelsea garden was made possible through match-funding from the grant-making charity Project Giving Back.

How to vote

Voting for the Eden Project Bring Me Sunshine Garden in the BBC/RHS People’s Choice Award opened at 2pm today (Wednesday 20th May) and closes tomorrow (Thursday 21st May) at 8pm. The winner will be announced on Friday at 3pm.