Chelsea Flower Show 2004 - England - Gardens, Parks, Squares and Open Spaces

Arguably the most outstanding horticultural show in the world, the Chelsea Flower Show is held for just a few days each spring in this suburb of London. The Royal Horticultural Society had sponsored similar events at other sites since the mid-1800s. However, this show on the parking lot and grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea since 1922. Around 600 exhibitors have display from around the world including over 50 gardens in all shapes, sizes and styles and over 100 floral exhibitors, including introductions of new plants. There are dozens of show gardens, each one created with attention to detail by some of the world's leading garden designers. Smaller Chic, Courtyard, City and Sunflower Street gardens show exactly what can be achieved on modest sized plots. Exhibitors are judged by a specialist judging panels before the show opens, and awarded Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze Medals.










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What can you say about the Chelsea Flower Show than, "Wow!" We visited in 2004 and again in 2006 and both times it was a wonderful experience.
One of the most amazing thing is that it is all set up for just a four day run and then, in two days, it all disappears for another year. All that is left is a paved parking lot. Unbelievable!

The site is divided into two main areas. The outdoor displays range from extravagant to something practical for the average backyard gardener. All constructed in the weeks before the show and then gone in a day or two following the close.
The second main area is indoors. It used to be under a big canvas tent but, like so many things now a days, it is now sponsored by a corporation who provides a more substantial, yet temporary, structure. This makes for more viewing space since they need fewer posts than the canvas tend of old. Inside is a magnificent display of all types of plants both flowering and foliage. Each bloom or tomato or leaf is perfect and was moved here from a greenhouse some distance away. I can't even move a poinsettia from a local nursery to my house without breaking some leaves yet they bring lupines and roses and Jacks-in-the-Pulpit with no apparent damage.
In my humble opinion (IMHO for you techies), I think a trip to the Chelsea Flower Show should be on the "bucket" list of every serious gardener. However, if you go, be sure to get there at starting time so you can see the displays unobstructed. By 11:00 a.m. or so, the crowd swells and makes photo taking a little more difficult.