One of the annual opportunities I have as a member of the RHS Science Committee is to visit Chelsea Flower Show. Today was one of the hottest and sunniest Chelsea shows I have enjoyed for several years. There were many new ideas and new plants to see as well as the usual smattering of celebrity visitors.
This year’s Kirstenbosch stand features a mosaic of Nelson Mandela
One of the small gardens – a wonderful mix of moss, moving water and rocks
Birmingham mark 100 years since WW1 with a botanical bunker
Birminghams WW1 trenches include the occasional rat
Hampshire Carnivorous Plants
Serious discussions at Chelsea Flower Show
Hewitt-Cooper Carnivorous Plants
Kelways have a fine display of Peonies
Carved fossil rich limestone – Lords and Ladies
Over the Hills and Far Away
A gardener made of 3D bedding plants
Marks and Spencer promote sustainability
These curious sculptures are made of reflective metal
The RHS promote gardening in schools
Large rocks make a good contrast to the softness of plants
Gorilla made of shells and other bits and bobs
The straight stream leading to a chain sculpture contrasts with angled rock blocks
This restful water feature is carved from a single block of stone
Venus on a clamshell attracts the photographers
The Woodland Trust promoting the conversion of conifer woodland to traditional broadleaf hardwoods
Chelsea Show offers shops for everyone
Roses are always part of Chelsea and a classic element in any British garden
Auriculas
Driftwood bear with fish
Stunning driftwood horses
I spend my time trying to eradicate Equisetum but sometimes its worth planting
Unreal plants on the embankment
Interflora’s Sucession Design is eyecatching and tecnically complex.
My plant of the show this year was Anemopsis californica, an unassuming water plant from the Saururaceae that is rarely grown.
Anemopsis californica (Saururaceae)
Without doubt the most eye-catching stand was that by Thailand with its uncompromising brilliance of both flowers and backdrop.
Perhaps the most eye-catching stand in the Marquee this year was Thailand’s colourful display
