An innovative garden capable of expressing its “feelings” will be showcased at next year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Experts believe that artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance gardening sustainability.
Award-winning designer Tom Massey will present the AI-assisted garden, created in collaboration with Microsoft and sponsored by Avanade, at the renowned flower show. This garden will utilize technology to support the gardeners tending to it.
The AI system will analyze data from sensors placed throughout the garden. It will optimize tasks such as watering, feeding, and other care activities to ensure the plants thrive, even amidst climate change challenges.
Massey explained that the garden, which will become a community space in London after the event, will maintain a lush, organic appearance. “AI hasn’t designed the garden; it is assisting the gardeners looking after it,” he said.
The garden will feature various sensors and monitors to assess soil moisture, pH levels, and nutrient content. This technology will enable gardeners to ask the garden questions about its needs. Massey remarked, “The garden can give a conversational response… like I need a bit more water or I could do with a haircut.”
Additionally, a digital version of the garden will simulate future climate conditions, evaluating factors like tree survival, soil moisture, and carbon performance.
Massey emphasized that the technology aims to reduce water waste. “AI could be a tool that empowers people, not replaces them. It enables people to grow and work together more sustainably,” he suggested.
Annette Giardina from Avanade noted that while AI has previously increased energy consumption, improved model training can lead to reduced power use. She highlighted sustainable practices, such as placing data centers in communities to utilize excess heat for building heating.
“Our garden design will include features to track soil moisture and plant nutritional needs. This will prevent overwatering by integrating with weather forecasts,” Giardina explained. “Furthermore, the technology will help assess biodiversity in the garden and determine suitable plant species for the local soil.”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which organizes the Chelsea Flower Show, announced plans to use AI for developing a knowledge bank of cultivated plants. This bank will focus on promoting pollinators, capturing pollutants and carbon, and managing water resources.
RHS also offers a ChatBotanist tool for its members and users of the RHS Grow app, providing gardening advice and allowing advisors to focus on research that informs planting choices and techniques across UK gardens.
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