The visionary behind the Eden Project has described the upcoming Eden Project Morecambe as "a theatre of science like nowhere else on earth" as a new showcase garden offers a glimpse of what is to come.
Sir Tim Smit made the comments as the Eden Project unveiled its Bring Me Sunshine Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
The garden provides the first public preview of Eden Project Morecambe, which is set to open in 2028.
Inspired by the landscapes and communities of Morecambe Bay, the exhibit has been designed by Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis and co-created with young adults from the town.
It features immersive coastal planting alongside edible "edimental" species and sustainable materials, including boundary panels made from mussel shells and terraces formed from cockle shells.
The design celebrates themes of regeneration, resilience and sustainable living, while highlighting Morecambe’s natural environment.
Speaking about the project, Sir Tim said Morecambe represents a bold evolution of the Eden Project concept.
He said: "Morecambe represents a revolutionary transformation of the idea that gave us the Eden Project in Cornwall, by locating it next to the bay - so stunning for those who live there.
"Where the tide races in faster than a horse can gallop; where it is busier than Heathrow for birds; where you have the majesty of the Lake District to look upon, and watch weather systems forming before your eyes.
"If anyone is looking for a place where the symphony of nature is played out in front of them, it is here.
"Why it’s a revolution is that Eden Project Morecambe will not be a fixed exhibition, but a theatre - and how appropriate that a place which in its heyday was a theatre of leisure, will now become a theatre of science like nowhere else on earth."
He added that the Chelsea garden captures the ambition of the project, combining horticulture, design and innovation.
Sir Tim said: "Harry captures the magic and possibility of Eden Project Morecambe so beautifully.
"A wonderful confection of horticultural bravura, technical challenge, great design and a great dollop of love and faith in the future.
"I guarantee that Chelsea-goers and TV viewers will get a glimpse of theatre this week."
The garden also promotes the idea of bringing food growing into everyday spaces, with species such as sea kale, samphire and artichokes woven into its planting.
Sir Tim said he hopes it will inspire people to reconnect with nature through gardening.
"We hope this garden encourages people to think differently about the spaces around them - parks, gardens, balconies, windowsills - and how growing food and plants can connect us more deeply to nature and to each other,2 he said.
"Even the smallest act of growing something edible can be transformative.
"Let’s turn many of these small acts into a gardening revolution."
After the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the installation will be relocated permanently to Morecambe, where it will become part of a free public community garden and outdoor learning space ahead of the full Eden Project opening.
Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, said the exhibit reflects the long-term vision for the Lancashire scheme.
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"This garden captures the spirit of what Eden Project Morecambe will become - a place rooted in nature, creativity, learning and community," he said.
"Sir Tim’s vision has always been about reconnecting people with the living world, and this garden gives people a first glimpse of how that vision will come to life in Morecambe."
The garden will feature throughout BBC coverage of this week’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has been made possible through match-funding from grant-making charity Project Giving Back.
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