The Swedish home retailer is back at the famous flower show this year, this time with an exhibit exploring the importance of sustainable growing, looking at the contrast of the hyper-natural and hyper-tech – and showcasing exclusive prototypes of a new collaborative range with Tom Dixon set to debut in 2021

The garden, entitled ‘Gardening will Save the World’ will explore how alternative, local and more sustainable ways of growing food is essential in the current climate. It will demonstrate how people can contribute to the movement of growing at home, and make a difference to reducing food waste, as well as broadcasting the beauty and functional importance of horticulture, through both traditional knowledge and the latest in growing innovation.

The garden will also offer an exclusive look during a media preview at some of the first prototypes of product ideas that Tom Dixon has designed on urban growing, which will be available globally at Ikea stores in 2021

“‘As part of the Chelsea Flower Show, we have designed and realised an experimental model for growing plants in the urban environment,” said Tom Dixon. “Aiming to give back to cities and create productive landscapes within urban zones, the garden includes a raised modular landscape with edible and medicinal plants and an enclosed based garden fuelled by hydroponic systems and controllable lighting.”

Exploring the contrast of the hyper-natural and hyper-tech to encourage an independent approach to growing, the garden will be split into two levels and feature over 4,000 plants. The garden’s base will be a horticultural laboratory where hydroponic technology is implemented, whilst the raised garden will be a botanic oasis with a natural aesthetic for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Ikea range and supply creative leader James Futcher said: “For Ikea, this project is about bringing attention to the future of the environment and the importance of growing food locally. We want to create smart solutions to encourage people and make it easier to grow plants themselves anywhere they can, whether that’s in their community garden, rooftop or in containers on balconies and window sills.”

After Ikea and Tom Dixon have displayed their ideas at Chelsea Flower Show, the garden will be donated to charity Participatory City and moved to Barking and Dagenham in East London, where the organisation will run a series of projects at the installation for four weeks. The garden will then remain at the location for at least three years, ahead of the regeneration project beginning in this area.

Parts of the garden will be re-created at The Warehouse, the largest public makerspace in London to help inspire and enable more people to enjoy it and learn about the importance of growing food locally. Participatory City and IKEA share the ambition of making sustainable and healthy living available for the many, every day, led by local people.