CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW: THE HAUTE COUTURE OF HORTICULTURE
Welcome to Chelsea Flower Show, the most prestigious flower show of Britain! One may call it the “Haute Couture” of horticulture, and it has been part of British culture for centuries. Being passionate about stories, we wanted to share this one from over the channel…
The historical roots of this vibrant show - organised by the Royal Horticultural Society - run deep. Initially called “The Great Spring Show”, it was held for the first time in 1862 in Kensington, not far from Chelsea where it has been hosted since 1913.
Upon this occasion, the whole international gardening scene gathers to share cutting-edge garden design and reveal new plants, but not only. What makes the show so exciting (beyond gardening) is the springtime London vibe enhanced by fashion stands, sparkling champagne, and the finest dining experience.
Crowds at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1951.
Visitors attending the Chelsea Flower Show on a rainy day in May 1980.
Traditionally, it happens at the end of May and lasts for five days. The first two days are eminently private as only members of the RHS may attend. If unluckily don’t belong to this green thumbs club, you will need to wait until the 3rd day to enter the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea where the show is hosted. Then, you may amble along the 12 main show gardens and visit the Great Pavilion which, interestingly, is big enough to park 500 London buses! So, take your time…
It is probably worth mentioning that you should check the weather forecast when you plan your visit. Indeed, the show was once referred to as “The Chelsea Shower Flow”, a cheeky play on words quite emblematic of the world renown British sense of humour. This nickname was given in 1932 because the rain poured very severely that year, so beware!
What kind of crowd should you expect? Well, it is no mystery that the Royal Family has long lasting ties with gardening so you might bump into a Prince or two. Many other famous faces might take a stroll there such as Ronan Keating or Dame Judi Dench when she’s not busy telling James Bond off for his irresponsible behaviour.
In addition to your visit of the show, we strongly recommend that you extend your stay in Chelsea to marvel at Chelsea in Bloom, a free flower festival concomitant to the Chelsea Flower Show. It sees around 100 stores in this part of west London embellished with breath taking flower displays. The theme changes each year and 2023 will be dedicated to “Flowers on Film”. If your feet are not too sore, pop in the next neighbourhood over to discover “Belgravia in bloom”, a similar event which chose “wild animals” as the theme for 2023.
Don’t forget to treat yourself after so much hard work! Try the afternoon tea in the Cadogan hotel where you will undoubtedly dive into full British mode with a cup of tea in one hand and a cucumber sandwich in the other! Oscar Wilde was one of their residents and the walls have many stories to share, but that’s another story…