Naples Botanical Garden awarded prestigious Gold Medal

Published on January 08, 2026

NAPLES, FL – January 8, 2026 – Naples Botanical Garden has been awarded a Gold Medal by the internationally renowned Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most celebrated horticultural exhibitions.

Presented annually by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Chelsea Gold Medal represents the highest level of achievement in garden design and plant presentation. Naples Botanical Garden’s award places it among an elite group of institutions recognized globally for innovation, craftsmanship, and botanical distinction.

The Garden earned the Gold Medal for its participation in the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show through Orchid Conservation Chelsea, in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The award-winning exhibit, From Hong Kong to Australia: The Orchids of Asia and the Pacific, highlighted orchid diversity and conservation across the region. In 2023 and 2024, the Garden also participated at Chelsea, featuring the Florida ghost orchid and native orchids of Florida and the Caribbean.

“This recognition reinforces Naples Botanical Garden’s role as a world-class public garden,” says Nick Ewy, Director of Collections at Naples Botanical Garden. “It underscores our commitment to advancing horticulture while celebrating the beauty, diversity, and importance of plants.”

A delegation from Kew Gardens will visit Naples Botanical Garden on January 13 to present the Gold Medal. The ceremony will also recognize collaborative conservation efforts supported by John Parke Wright, Naples Chairman of Orchid Conservation Chelsea; the Naples Orchid Society; Dr. Lawrence Zettler, Research Associate of Chicago Botanic Garden and Professor at Illinois College; the University of Florida, and research partners advancing protection of the Florida ghost orchid. Also being presented with awards will be Illinois College President Dr. Barbara Farley and the University of Florida for their work to research and protect Florida’s ghost orchid.

For media questions or to RSVP as media for this invitation-only event Tuesday, January 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Kapnick Hall at Naples Botanical Garden, please contact media@naplesgarden.org.

About Naples Botanical Garden

With a family-friendly, natural and ever-changing experience, Naples Botanical Garden is where plants and people thrive together. Every Garden admission ticket or membership purchase helps support our conservation efforts. Seasonal hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (8 a.m. early entry for Members). Visit naplesgarden.org for details.