Ladybird Plantcare is set to champion healthier houseplants at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 through its sponsorship of the striking Heliotropic Carousel, designed by Hugo & Green for the much-loved Houseplant Studios.

Now in its sixth year, the Houseplant Studios, sponsored by Malvern Garden Buildings, have become a visitor favourite, celebrating creativity and innovation in indoor planting. Set within six British-made garden rooms, each space invites leading plant stylists to craft immersive, RHS-judged indoor gardens, and this year’s Heliotropic Carousel promises to be one of the most thought-provoking.

A garden that moves with you, and the sun

Inspired by the concept of heliotropism – plants turning towards the sun to maximise photosynthesis – the Heliotropic Carousel is a dynamic garden room where planting quite literally revolves around light.

Plants are set on a rotating, carousel-like structure, allowing them to move in response to sunlight – maximising or reducing exposure as needed. The result is a living, evolving space that adapts throughout the day.

Encased in glass and designed to capture east-to-west sunlight, the room transforms with the rhythm of the day:

• A bright, energising spot for morning coffee
• A calming, plant-filled workspace
• A sanctuary for reading or meditation
• An atmospheric setting for evening entertaining

Layered planting includes tropical foliage that leans towards the light, alongside species that open and close in response to changing conditions, creating a constantly shifting display of texture, movement and colour.

Practical plant expertise sits at the heart of the installation

At the centre of Ladybird Plantcare’s presence is Tessa Cobley, a highly regarded plant pest expert known for her practical approach to plant care.

Tessa’s sponsorship of the Heliotropic Garden reflects her belief that effective plant care starts with creating the right conditions for plants to thrive.

By rotating to maximise sunlight throughout the day, the garden demonstrates how well-positioned, healthy plants are naturally better equipped to withstand pest pressures. This philosophy sits at the heart of Tessa’s work with biological control, which focuses on working with nature to support plant resilience rather than relying on chemical treatments.

Tessa is passionate about helping people care for both indoor and outdoor plants using natural, effective solutions. She has become a leading voice in championing biological control as a more sustainable way to manage plant pests. Her approach focuses on working with nature, using beneficial organisms such as predatory mites, nematodes and ladybirds to control pests without relying on chemical pesticides.

At the Heliotropic Carousel, this will be brought to life through thousands of these ‘good bugs’, quietly working behind the scenes to protect the plants and keep them thriving throughout the show, demonstrating how natural pest control can be seamlessly integrated into even the most design-led indoor spaces.

Tessa will be appearing at the installation on selected days during the show (dates to be confirmed), where visitors will have the opportunity to:

• Get help identifying common plant pests
• Learn how to introduce biological controls at home
• Gain confidence in caring for plants more naturally

Her friendly, down-to-earth advice makes plant care feel accessible, helping visitors leave inspired, and better equipped to look after their own plants.

Tessa comments:

“For me, it’s all about helping people feel more confident looking after their plants. Pests are a completely natural part of growing, whether that’s indoors or out, but they don’t have to be a problem.

“At the Heliotropic Carousel, we’re showing how you can work with nature rather than against it, using beneficial insects to keep plants healthy and thriving. It’s a really simple, effective approach that more and more people are starting to embrace.

I’m looking forward to chatting to visitors and helping them understand what’s going on with their own plants, because often, a small change can make a big difference.”

Bringing plant care back to nature