The Chelsea Flower Show has graced the UK since 1912, with display gardens including artisanal, urban and avant garde. There will be extra exhibits to commemorate the 90th birthday of the Queen.
The Gardens
Health, Happiness and Horticulture
The Health, Happiness and Horticulture garden is designed by Ann-Marie Powell, and is the official RHS garden of the show. Part of the Greening Grey Britain initiative, the garden is meant to inspire, with colourful borders, bee friendly plants, bubbling water features and a delicious kitchen garden.
Modern Apothecary Garden
The Modern Apothecary Garden was designed by RHS ambassador and organic gardening expert Jekka McVicar. The plants are themed around the Hippocrates quote, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”, accented by less edible plants which are designed for relaxation, such as lavender. (For St John’s Hospice).
British Eccentrics
Harrods have sponsored the British Eccentrics Garden, designed by the innovative Diarmuid Gavin. The award-winning designer has incorporated the quirky charm of the old school British garden, with a slightly steampunk theme of complex machinery performing simple tasks.
The LG Smart Garden
Inspired by smart-homes and burgeoning technology, the LG Smart Garden is designed as a Scandinavian lifestyle space. Think clean lines accented by softer planting and the whip-like branches of multi-pronged trees. The iideal showcasefor the synergy between modern technology and nature.
The Winton Beauty of Mathematics Garden
The Winton Beauty of Mathematics garden is a celebration of maths and the algorithms that underpin all life. Key exhibit is a flowing copper band, etched with algorithms, which represents an emerging seedling. It works as a bench, banister and planter. Pines, rich purple perennials and metallic foliage create a fresh, bee friendly garden.
The Day
What’s On
The Great Pavilion features an interactive discovery zone and gorgeous floral exhibits, many designed to highlight innovations in plant science. There is a concert by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra (at extra cost) after hours.
There are also numerous boutiques to browse, along with the competitors for the RHS Chelsea Product of the Year. The Garden Time GroTray and Hozelock – Cloud Controller look like they’d be great for helping you create a low maintenance garden!
The Dress Code
The dress code at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show is unofficial, but real. Think an elegant English garden party; champagne, tea and cake. Florals are practically obligatory, and flat shoes are encouraged. Men should wear a jacket and tie if possible (these can be floral if you are brave).
This is the season of changeable weather, so carry a large shoulder bag and fill it with an umbrella, sunscreen, bottled water, gloves, sunglasses, a camera, notebook and change for the shops.
The Catering
You can sate your hunger at a variety of eateries at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show. There are a number of fine dining restaurants, including the Rock Bank Restaurant, offering champagne and exquisite seafood.
The Village Fete area offers charmingly British cuisine such as finger sandwiches and fish and chips. The Plateau Picnic Area is ideal for vegans, vegetarians and people who adhere to special diets, offering gluten-free snacks and an open-air bar area.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
London
SW3 4SL
Show times
Tuesday – Friday (24 – 27 May)
8am – 8pm
Saturday (28 May)
8am – 5:30pm *
* sell off begins at 4pm
