Travelogue – RHS Chelsea Flower Show (UK)

Since 1912 the Royal Horticultural Society has conducted in the month of May – in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, on an 11 acre site – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It was formerly known as the ‘Great Spring Show’.

The show is attended by the British Royal Family and guests on the first day, by RHS members on the next two days and by the general public on the final two days. Usually more than 150,000 people attend over the duration of the show. 

Highlights include the avant-garde show gardens designed by leading members of the horticultural community. The centre piece of the display is a huge floral marque. 

The show also features smaller gardens such as the Artisan and Urban gardens. There is a series of stalls displaying garden and country wares. 

The writer attended in May this year. While not a gardener by disposition, he was taken by the spectacular floral displays. So much is apparent from the photographs which accompany this piece.

This year a highlight was the unveiling of ‘The King’s Rose’ – 11 years in development by leading rose grower David Austin, and a tribute to his Majesty King Charles III – as seen here.

The reader – if visiting the United Kingdom in May – would do well to consider visiting. Booking in advance online is essential. A very pleasurable three or more hours can be spent enjoying the display.