CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
SUSTAINABLE DISPLAY: CALEY BROTHERS AND MAGICAL MUSHROOM COMPANY® AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
PROJECT MUSHROOM
Caley Brothers, founded in 2019 by sisters Lorraine Caley and Jodie Bryan, are passionate about connecting people to the world of fungi through accessible and sustainable projects. Based in West Sussex, their debut book, Project Mushroom, and workshops have inspired many to grow their own mushrooms at home.
At the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Caley Brothers showcased “Project Mushroom,” a captivating display of edible and medicinal mushrooms perched on custom-grown mycelium plinths crafted by Magical Mushroom Company®. This display was nestled within a stunning wildflower meadow, embodying both beauty and sustainability.
The exhibit was consciously designed to be 100% recycled, composted, or reused, reflecting Caley Brothers’ dedication to eco-friendly innovation.
“MYCELIUM MATERIALS ELEVATED OUR CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW DEBUT.”
THE PROBLEM
REQUIRED A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTICS OR SYNTHETIC COMPOSITES
For their Chelsea Flower Show debut, the Caley Brothers needed a sustainable design solution that celebrated the beauty and utility of mushrooms while aligning with their environmental ethos.
Traditional materials, such as plastics or synthetic composites, would not align with their mission of promoting fungi and sustainability.
The challenge was to create visually striking, functional plinths that highlighted the mushrooms and blended seamlessly with the natural aesthetic of the wildflower meadow.
THE SOLUTION
COLLABORATION TO BRING THE RIGHT DESIGN TOGETHER, WITH THE RIGHT MATERIALS
Magical Mushroom Company® partnered with Caley Brothers to design and grow biodegradable mycelium plinths. Using agricultural waste bound with mycelium, the plinths were crafted to be both lightweight and sturdy.
The mycelium plinths were custom-grown to provide the perfect display base for the mushrooms, showcasing their natural beauty while ensuring structural integrity.
This collaboration highlighted the versatility of mycelium as a sustainable material and demonstrated how eco-friendly design can complement and enhance nature-focused displays.
THE RESULT
THE PLINTHS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CALEY BROTHERS DISPLAY WINNING A GOLD MEDAL
The Caley Brothers display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a resounding success, earning a prestigious Gold Medal.
The mycelium plinths became a standout feature, inspiring visitors to embrace sustainable practices and explore the world of fungi.
This collaboration set a benchmark for sustainable display design, reinforcing both Caley Brothers and Magical Mushroom Company® as leaders in eco-conscious innovation.
“Working with Magical Mushroom Company® was a seamless experience.
Their mycelium plinths not only supported our mushrooms but also reflected the eco-friendly ethos at the heart of our display. We were thrilled with the result.”
Lorraine Caley, Co-Founder, Caley Brothers
