David Beckham’s Curious Garden Philosophy Could Transform Your Yard – Designers Reveal Easy Ways to Bring the Look to Life This Winter

Not every garden design begins with a master plan. In fact, many of the most beautiful, characterful spaces start with nothing more than curiosity – the desire to try something new, experiment with plants, and notice the small shifts that happen through the seasons. Curiosity encourages gardeners to find joy in unexpected textures, scents, and colors, even in the coldest months of the year.

It’s this spirit of experimentation that inspired soccer legend David Beckham on his forthcoming garden design collaboration. Sir David has partnered with the RHS and The King’s Foundation to help create the Curious Garden, a show garden planned for the Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Although it will be a few months before we can see the finished design, the garden’s purpose is already clear: to inspire people – especially those who feel new to gardening – to explore, investigate, and grow with confidence.

“In my experience, gardening is all about being curious,” said Beckham. “I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be, and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with the RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden. I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.”

The RHS describes the future garden as one that will be brimming with take-home ideas for windowsill gardeners, container growers, and anyone working with limited space. It will encourage visitors to grow more plant varieties, propagate new ones, and discover how gardening enriches our health, happiness, and connection to the planet.

And while Beckham’s Curious Garden won’t be unveiled until 2026, its guiding values – curiosity, calm, and the beauty of learning through nature – are all ideas that you can skillfully bring into your winter garden ideas right now.

How to Bring Curiosity Into Your Winter Garden

Using a few thoughtful plant choices and natural accents, you can bring home the reflective and personal feeling of the season for your family and guests. Rather than leaning on flashy décor like multi-colored lights or a giant light-up Santa Claus, use natural touches – winter-loving plants, fragrant greenery, foraged materials, and softer lighting – to create a garden that feels intentional and quietly festive.

Choose Winter-Hardy Plants With Presence

A "Curious Winter Garden" starts with fragrant evergreen shrubs and winter bloomers that hold their shape and provide the structure your outdoor space needs at this time of year.

Paul Hervey-Brookes, a multi-award-winning garden designer, told us that you should also look beyond the obvious conifers and truly bring the spirit of “curiosity” to the season. He explains, “I love Lonicera x standishii ‘Budapest’. In summer, you can grow a flowering climber over it, but in winter, its flushed purple, highly fragrant flowers bring a rich ambiance to any space.”

This shrub is especially effective near doorways or paths where its scent can be appreciated even on cold days.

Another standout, says Hervey-Brookes, is Skimmia ‘Kew Green’, which performs beautifully in pots. “I also like to grow Skimmia ‘Kew Green’ in a container, as it responds better. It’s a great evergreen, winter-flowering foil for lots of other things and stands out alone,” he tells us.

You can find skimmia, dwarf conifers, and other container-friendly shrubs at big box stores like Walmart, which sells this five-pack of boxwood shrubs.

Design With Containers for Flexibility

Container gardens are ideal for Christmas decorations, especially in winter. You can move plants where you need to, whether that’s by the front door, along pathways, or framing an outdoor seating area.

Choose sturdy, frost-resistant pots. Make sure you slightly elevate them to protect the roots. Hervey-Brookes says drainage is the single most important factor when it comes to a successful winter garden. “The crucial thing is drainage. We all think it’s wet weather, but actually, if the water cannot drain out of the pot and it gets frozen in the soil, this is when roots get damaged. Lifting pots and containers onto pot feet is my number one winter rule.”

Amazon sells pot feet and risers, like these from UFelice, which come in a 24-pack.

Add Natural, Foraged Holiday Details

To embrace the Curious Garden philosophy, go with simple, natural materials. In winter, especially at Christmas, that means branches, berries, seed heads, pinecones, and evergreen cuttings, many of which you can forage from your own garden.

To give your containers height, tuck in evergreen branches. You can also weave berry stems through railings or arrange pinecones and greenery in shallow bowls. Pair these with a rustic container for an understated look. This whiskey-barrel-style pot from Target has drainage holes and works beautifully outdoors.

Include Aromatic Herbs for Use and Beauty

Herbs are a wonderful way to bring the garden into your holiday cooking. Rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay all grow well in containers and keep their structure through winter in many regions.

Keep a cluster of herb pots near your door so you can snip fresh sprigs for roasted vegetables, stuffing, garnishes, or your Christmas turkey. These herbs can also double as decor – tie small bundles with twine or use sprigs as napkin rings or wreath accents.

Avoid Common Winter Container Mistakes

Small gardens and containers need extra care during winter, especially when decorated for the holidays. Hervey-Brookes warns, “I think we tend to forget a small container can dry out in winter. A common mistake is thinking it’s cold and wet so containers will be fine, but actually a weekly check to make sure they’re not overly dry is a good idea to keep things ticking over.”

Check soil moisture regularly, avoid waterlogged pots, and shelter containers from harsh wind where possible.

A Curious Approach to the Season Ahead

David Beckham’s Curious Garden serves as a reminder that gardening is less about achieving perfection and more about exploring nature with an open mind. By slowing down, using what you have, and embracing the small sensory moments of winter, you can create a garden that feels warm, inviting, and wonderfully personal – long before spring arrives.