Illinois College’s orchid research collaboration earns second gold medal in a row at 2026 Chelsea Flower Show

Illinois College has once again earned international recognition for orchid conservation research, as its collaborative Orchid Conservation Chelsea exhibit was awarded a second consecutive Gold Medal at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Illinois College played a central role in the award-winning effort through the leadership of Hitchcock Professor of Biology Lawrence Zettler. Building on the team's Gold Medal-winning success in 2025, Illinois College students and faculty contributed research expertise, exhibit preparation and public education efforts for the internationally recognized display.

Illinois College students Sydni Maggart '27 and Jena Sellers '26 participated in the project, gaining firsthand experience working alongside international researchers and institutions, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden; Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden in Hong Kong; Naples Botanical Garden (Florida); and other global conservation partners. The project continues to expand opportunities for IC students to engage in advanced research, conservation outreach and experiential learning on an international stage.

"Presenting at the Chelsea Flower Show gives Illinois College students a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of the world's foremost orchid researchers," Zettler said. "During our time in London, the team also visited the Essex Wildlife Trust to study native British orchids. Observations made during that visit have already sparked ideas for groundbreaking research, demonstrating how experiences like this can lead to discoveries well beyond the exhibition itself."

The 2026 exhibit, "The Orchids of China - Beauty & Conservation," brought together leading conservationists, scientists and botanical institutions from the United Kingdom, China and the United States to highlight the beauty, diversity and urgent conservation needs of one of the world's most endangered plant families.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is considered one of the most prestigious horticultural exhibitions in the world, drawing exhibitors, researchers and visitors from across the globe each year, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Orchid Conservation Chelsea's 2026 display featured rare and unusual orchid species, many seldom seen outside of their native habitats, while emphasizing the growing threats posed by habitat destruction, climate change and illegal plant collection.

The 2026 Gold Medal marks the second consecutive Chelsea Gold for the Orchid Conservation Chelsea collaboration after the 2025 exhibit, "From Hong Kong to Australia: The Orchids of Asia & the Pacific," also received the prestigious honor.

Through initiatives like Orchid Conservation Chelsea, Illinois College continues to build its international reputation in undergraduate research and conservation science while preparing students to make meaningful contributions to global environmental challenges.