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Chelsea Flower Show

Jacqueline29Jacqueline29 Posts: 393
in Garden design
Just to give the heads up, the BBC will be showing an hour long programme on Sunday May 13th, It is a special A-Z guide to Chelsea celebrating the history of the event. 
And I am lucky enough to be going myself, and I hope that some of you will be going to. I will of course watch it on the television as well. The best medicine to get me better. Happy gardening dear all. 
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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Fingers crossed we don't have to endure the gardens of Z list "celebrities" this year during the TV coverage.
    Have a lovely day there @Jacqueline29
    Devon.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I went years ago but didn't enjoy it so crowded and no chance to buy plants I do enjoy the TV coverage though as you really see the gardens properly but hope you have a lovely time 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Me to Debs64, wanted to go for years with my late Mum, never made it, then Hubby and I every year, not sure when we wen probably about 4 years ago, joined the RHS stupidly thought that would give me free entry, it was only a couple of quid off, we went on "Members day" thinking i would be quieter, it was mad, couldnt get near the gardens to see anyhing, in the marquees there were guys is hi viz jackets moving you along so you didnt have time to see anything, the stall holders I asked advice from were surely and unhelpfull, we go to Hampton Court every year, much prefer it, will watch Chelsea on TV though, just to see the new plants.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Malvern is my favourite or I go to one at NEC. Hubby is a chef so enjoys the good food show which runs in conjunction with it. Lots to buy and more room to move around and of course more local to me, not a fan of London I am afraid 
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  • DampGardenManDampGardenMan Posts: 1,054
    IanC63 said:
    Chelsea "was" a good show...now it's just full of the same kind of people who frequent Wimbledon or Ascot. They have no clue nor interest but think that "being seen there" is a must on the social calendar. 
    Then there are the show gardens built with utterly eye watering budgets....money on that scale doesn't really sit well with the whole ethos of gardening IMHO.....half of em are more akin to civil engineering than horticulture.
    Plus it's (obviously) in London...so there's a reason itself to give it a wide berth.
    I second all that ...
  • jamfox14jamfox14 Posts: 2
    Nice post. Same kind of show is organised in Kolkata,India. The show is organised by Agri-Horticulture society of India every year. The show is flooded with huge number of flower types and so the different aroma's & properties. People in Kolkata enjoy the show every year with enthusiasm & curiosity.
  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    I went to Chelsea for the first time a couple of years ago and Wow! As an experience wonderful . Stayed in a hostel overnight and got there as the gates opened and did the big show gardens first otherwise you could get near them. Loved the floral marquee and the smaller artisan gardens. Probably won't bother to go back.Totally over the top as far as "real" gardening is concerned for most of us.
    Have done Tatton Park which seemed more realistic. Anyone been to Hampton Court show? Any views from those who have been?
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I have been to Chelsea (once) and Hampton Court (3 times). While I would certainly go back to Chelsea, if I have to pick one to go to it's Hampton Court. Lots on common with Chelsea but with two main advantages: more room, so less crowded; and you can buy stuff as you go round. There are more stalls of tat too, but you can bypass them - lots of small demonstration gardens with plant stalls attached. 
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    We used to go to HC every year. Always on Sunday  when the atmosphere was very " last day of term" . Very relaxed, much more casual and not rammed with people who think they "ought" to be there.
    I'd only ever go back to Chelsea if I was invited to the VIP Press Day and I can't see that ever happening.
    I just can't do crowds but I hope those who are going have a wonderful day. 
    I believe Chris Beardshaw is doing a " woodland " garden for NSPCC and there are lots of hostas.  :D
    Devon.
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