Raymond Evison Clematis returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 with a striking exhibit inspired by the Guernsey shoreline, showcasing three outstanding new clematis varieties. Max and Claire Gaudion are proud to contribute handcrafted basketry highlighting the island’s rich heritage.
A Coastal Scene in Full Flower
More than 2,500 clematis in full flower evoke the drama of the Guernsey shoreline. Brightly coloured blooms appear to come ashore in handcrafted wooden boats, floating on a sea of dark blue, mauve and light blue flowers, with white clematis representing the crest of the waves. A wooden serpentine walkway guides visitors through the experience, weaving past moored boats, sand, Guernsey seaweed, pebbles, driftwood and shells — including scallops, ormers and oysters.
Celebrating Heritage and Craft
Woven through this floral landscape is an authentic collection of traditional Guernsey basketry, proudly loaned by Max and Claire Gaudion, whose work is helping to preserve these locally significant, endangered skills. Visitors will encounter remarkable willow fishing baskets - courges, crab and lobster pots made by Max Gaudion, older-style ponier à cous with willow ribs, and a traditional vraic (seaweed) gathering pannier made by Claire Gaudion.
Viaër Ponier á Cou by Claire Gaudion, in Raymond Evison Clematis' exhibit 2026
A traditional fisherman’s hut provides the perfect backdrop for these heritage pieces, while Guernsey tomato baskets (also made by Claire) and a tomato grading machine pay homage to the island’s long history of cultivation — such baskets were once used to export tomatoes off-island until the 1930s.
Guernsey Tomato Baskets by Claire Gaudion, in Raymond Evison Clematis' exhibit 2026
Raymond Evison Clematis are showcasing both celebrated 20th–21st century cultivars and three outstanding new varieties bred at the company’s state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly Guernsey Clematis Nursery:
∙ Clematis Ithemba EviGsy157 (PBR)
∙ Clematis Eliza EviGsy158 (PBR)
∙ Clematis Queen’s Nurse EviGsy159 (PBR)
Raymond Evison Clematis continues to build on an exceptional record at RHS Chelsea, including 35 gold medals and, in 2025 (when Claire and Max also contributed basketry items for display) Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion.
Updated, May 2026: Raymond Evison Clematis increase their tally to 36 gold medals!
Crab Pots by Max Gaudion, in Raymond Evison Clematis' exhibit 2026
19 - 23 May 2026