Avanade has today announced a groundbreaking AI-enabled garden that will appear at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, the Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden aims to showcase how AI technology can be used to support and nurture horticulture and the wider natural world – against the backdrop of the climate crisis.

The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden, designed by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 Gold Medal winning design team of Tom Massey of Tom Massey Studio and Je Ahn of Studio Weave, will feature a curated selection of climate-resilient plants and trees, which will be monitored by an AI assistant. 

The AI assistant will act as a copilot to the gardening team, analyzing data from sensors placed throughout the garden to optimize watering, feeding, and other horticultural practices and care routines, ensuring that the plants thrive in their environment, even in the face of climate change. The team will also use AI technology to allow visitors both at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and beyond to engage with – and even talk to – the garden via digital and virtual platforms that will help democratize access to this one-of-a-kind installation.

Tom Massey expressed his excitement about the project, saying, "Designing the Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a unique opportunity to address some of horticulture’s most challenging environmental issues, such as sustainable water use, plant health and gardening in a changing climate. I am excited to see how AI can assist gardeners to help make a meaningful impact that will help us all garden and grow more sustainably.”

Annette Giardina, UKI Innovation & Sustainability Lead at Avanade added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft on this pioneering project.  The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show builds on our experience of using AI to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Avanade has already developed AI solutions to help organizations protect endangered species through species recognition programs, created digital twin environments to help monitor changing conditions, reduced waste, and helped companies ensure that renewable energy sources like wind, hydro and solar power can exist harmoniously with nature.   

“The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden provides a real-life showcase for Avanade and Microsoft to demonstrate how technology can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the natural world in urban environments, while also promoting sustainability and innovation in horticulture. We hope it will also open up access to gardening among a wider, new demographic, as well as help experienced gardeners to make informed decisions around their gardens with climate resilience in mind."

Pam Maynard, Chief AI Transformation Officer for Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions commented, "This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of Microsoft and Avanade to create sustainable solutions leveraging AI technology. The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden will not only harness the power of AI in horticulture, but also inspire visitors to think differently about the relationship between technology and nature."

Avanade’s team of experts integrated Microsoft Azure OpenAI seamlessly into the garden’s design and maintenance, with RHS data used to inform the maintenance and care for specific plants.

Visitors to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 will have the opportunity to explore the Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden and learn about the various technologies used to create and maintain it. Interactive displays will provide insights into the role of AI in modern horticulture and its potential applications in other areas of environmental management, including demonstrations of cutting-edge concepts currently in incubation with Avanade and Microsoft that will be adopted for widescale application.

Additionally, Avanade will showcase innovations in technology that are already adopted by several of its clients to help improve their relationship with the natural world and help combat the effects of climate change, address global food challenges, support biodiversity and promote regenerative agriculture. 

The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden will be unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which runs from May 20-24, 2025. This marks the year that Avanade celebrates it 25-year anniversary, creating a platform to celebrate this milestone by showcasing the company’s commitment to responsible business.

Notes Editor:

Click here for more information on Avanade’s responsible business approach

Avanade is the world’s leading expert on Microsoft. Trusted by over 5,000 clients worldwide, we deliver reliable, AI-driven solutions that solve business challenges of all sizes and unlock the full potential of people and technology. We empower organizations to use Microsoft technology to optimize operations, drive growth, and foster innovation, enabling them to excel in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Together with Accenture, we combine global scale with local expertise in AI, cloud, data analytics, cybersecurity, ERP to create human-centered experiences. We are committed to doing what matters for our clients, their customers, employees and partners by designing solutions that prioritize people and drive meaningful impact. 

Since 2000, Avanade has leveraged its close partnership with Microsoft to bring the latest technologies to market, serving as Microsoft’s "Client Zero" and earning, with Accenture, Microsoft’s Global SI Partner of the Year Award a record 19 times.

As a purpose-driven and responsible organization, Avanade champions diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring our work benefits society as well as drives business success.

Learn more at www.avanade.com and follow us on LinkedIn.