RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

Amidst the garden’s naturalistic planting scheme, contrasting textures and subtle hues harmoniously blend. Ornamental plants found in Myanmar, such as the broadleaf plantain, revered in Burmese medicine for its efficacy in treating skin conditions, underscore the garden’s significance to our mission. This sanctuary for growth and enjoyment resides in a sun-drenched, south-facing garden in the UK, thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse planting conditions while drawing inspiration from the captivating landscapes and rich heritage of Burma (also known as Myanmar).

Key sustainability initiatives are seamlessly integrated throughout the garden. Locally sourced plants thrive in peat-free compost within recycled and recyclable pots, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship. Recycled and reclaimed materials are employed extensively, affirming our dedication to sustainability amidst economic flux. Abundant wildlife-friendly plants provide nourishment and refuge for birds, bees, and insects, while sustainable building techniques ensure efficiency during construction and breakdown, minimising environmental impact.

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Hear from the BSI Co-founders:

The charity’s co-founder, Professor Chris Griffiths OBE, said: “Skin disease has a major impact on a person’s quality of life, their mental health and it severely limits their ability to work. In Myanmar, we met many people, including hundreds of children in orphanages, with skin diseases. Their suffering and resilience motivated us to improve their access to skincare in the country through partnerships between international and local dermatology communities and industry.”

Co-founder, Dr Su Lwin, added: “My beautiful country faces many challenges. I am absolutely thrilled that through the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we are able to put Myanmar and skin health on the world stage. This is also the first time a garden at Chelsea tells the story of skin disease, and the importance of partnership in its management. We hope people love it.”

Co-founder, Mr Stephen Lue said: “I joined the BSI as a trustee after being so impressed with the work undertaken by my friend from university, Dr Su Mar Lwin, and her friend and colleague, Professor Chris Griffiths. I have been impressed with the impact of the tele-dermatology service provided by the BSI and its partners, which has been able to bring best practice to remote parts of Myanmar. I hope to continue to support the BSI in their important work, and the Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful way to show case the beauty of Burma and its people in order to keep the focus on what is needed on the ground in terms of skincare”.

Hear from the BSI Partnership Garden Sponsors & Supporters:

Mark Winter, Managing Director of No7 Beauty Company: “No7 Beauty Company’s relationship with the Burma Skincare Initiative started in 2020. We share a mutual passion for educating people on the maintenance of skin health and we are delighted to recognise the important work of the Burma Skincare Initiative through our support of the ‘Spirit of Partnership’ Garden.”

Lucy Moorhead, Nurse Consultant in Inflammatory Skin Disease for the British Dermatological Nursing Group: “Since 2019 we have been proud to have an association with this important charity. From teaching nurses in Myanmar, to delivering online global training and developing educational video. We’re excited about where our continuing collaboration will take us, including this opportunity to help promote dermatology partnership and highlight the
impact skin disease has on both adults and children.”

Rippon Ubhi, Sanofi Country Lead & General Manager, UK and Ireland: “Sanofi is committed to supporting patients where they need us the most. Our partnership with The Burma Skincare Initiative aims to raise awareness and support the country’s urgent need for healthcare professionals and clinics to attend to people living and struggling with skin diseases. Sanofi has a long legacy in immunology research, and we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries in this field. We believe immunology holds the key to unlocking a new era of dermatological care and solutions. However, we recognize the burden placed on individuals by skin diseases often seen as ‘cosmetic.’ We are committed to elevating the conversation around these conditions and developing innovative treatment options, aiming for improved quality of life for patients. The Chelsea Flower Show is an innovative and creative opportunity to raise awareness of the important work the Burma Skincare Initiative is doing. We are proud of this partnership and hope this initiative will help raise awareness of this important issue.”

James Stalley, Executive Director – Strategy, Operation & Partnerships at the Skin Health Alliance: “As an international champion of skin health, we want everyone to have access to the best advice to help them care for their skin. We are deeply passionate about skin health research, education and outcomes for the many millions who suffer from skin conditions globally. We are proud to support the BSI’s initiative and endorse their aim of bringing first-class dermatology services to the people of Myanmar.”

Dr Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic: ‘We are delighted to be able to support the Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. My friends and colleagues Dr Su Lwin and Professor Chris Griffiths are inspirational individuals who deserve praise and recognition for the commitment and focus on such an important mission.”

Jonathan Patrick, CEO of Consultant Connect, said: “We are proud to support the Burma Skincare Initiative in its mission to improve access to skin doctors in Myanmar. Our teledermatology platform connects Myanmar healthcare workers with dermatology specialists in the UK to help diagnose and manage patients with skin disease. In a country where access to healthcare is a limited and where diseases such as leprosy are still common, this is a crucial step in giving patients the care they need. The data gathered via our app will also support the BSI team develop training around common conditions to help Myanmar fight its skincare crisis. It is fantastic to see the BSI team celebrating its work at the Chelsea Flower Show.”

President of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Sarah Clarke, said:  ‘The RCP has a strong tradition of supporting doctors across the globe, with 19% of RCP members based outside of the UK. We are proud to support the BSI team as they highlight and tackle the healthcare challenges faced by the people and physicians in Burma/Myanmar. Plants and flowers have played a key role throughout the history of medicine and our own garden in Regent’s Park, London, is home to many medicinal plants from around the world including the butterfly flower, Arabian jasmine and Chusan palm, which are native to Burma. I am sure this Chelsea showcase will be exceptional.’