I've been to Chelsea often enough to know the gardens look very different "in the flesh" and that BBC coverage is lamentable and it's the same criticism every year - repeat views of the same old gardens but leaving out others completely, stupid things like Nikki trying and failing to arrange flowers, visits to "celeb" gardens which should really be in a series of their own and programmed for 3am judging by the quality of most of them, features on designers sourcing plants - that should be in a special Making Chelsea show and so on and so forth.
I can't see why it is beyond the powers that Beeb to schedule an equal length visit to every single main garden, artisan, fresh garden with an overall view and then close ups on plant combinations and a chat with the designer about the whys and wherefores. They could do a whole series on the nurseries exhibiting in the marquee and really should devote more time to them as they are exceptional plants people.
Love the bits with Adam discussing design and Carol on plants. Joe Smith is marginally less irritating this year but I still find Monty looks uncomfortable in his role.
There is something odd about a Flower Show having so many "natural" landscapes. I know it's been hard to find sponsors to fund big gardens this year and sincerely hope that next year they'll have a but more confidence and we'll have some proper gardens with more plants than stone/concrete/water.
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"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I read, ( so it might well be incorrect ) that many sponsors have pulled out due to new rules by HMRC regarding sponsorship and having to show " real benefits" to clients to whom they supply "hospitality"
Seems they're cracking down on Champagne guzzling freebies being classed as "business"
Totally agree with Obs. If these Celeb gardens are so good, have them on a separate programme. A chelsea inspiration / build up could also be a separate programme.
I just want The Chelsea Flower Show to be about , erm, the Chelsea Flower Show
I have just caught up with this thread I have been laughing out load at some of the comments well done all.
Ahh Chelsea, its one of those events that delights & annoys in equal measure. I was lucky enough to go first when I worked at my first job which was just over the road from the Royal Hospital Grounds, in those days RHS members got in free & one of our Doctors used to hand her ticket round. I went later legitimately when they put a stop to members getting in free, but then I stopped going for a long time as its got so expensive & CROWDED went last year & enjoyed it a lot but still prefer Hampton court - more space & you can buy plants the whole time.
The trouble (for me) with the BBC coverage is the same with a lot of events they cover, they simply "do it to death" whether its Chelsea, Football, or anything else. They put on too many shows too long, with too many "pundits" so much of the coverage is unnecessary/ irrelevant padding. They are even doing this with news & current affairs programmes endless repetition & mulling over & commentary.
I am still watching it though, we usually record it & then double speed through the dross!
I agree that the BBC coverage leaves a lot to be desired - I don't think Chelsea's been Chelsea since Alan Titchmarsh stopped presenting it, as good as Monty and the others may be.
I watch the celebs wandering around with a glass of champagne in hand, and think it is a shame that they cannot have a raffle type draw for long standing members of the RHS, say 10 years or more, to join the Gala evening. Instead there seems to be a lot of people there to be seen and not knowing anything about gardens. Not too much to ask for 10 years of membership is it? A random sample of real gardeners?
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I've been to Chelsea often enough to know the gardens look very different "in the flesh" and that BBC coverage is lamentable and it's the same criticism every year - repeat views of the same old gardens but leaving out others completely, stupid things like Nikki trying and failing to arrange flowers, visits to "celeb" gardens which should really be in a series of their own and programmed for 3am judging by the quality of most of them, features on designers sourcing plants - that should be in a special Making Chelsea show and so on and so forth.
I can't see why it is beyond the powers that Beeb to schedule an equal length visit to every single main garden, artisan, fresh garden with an overall view and then close ups on plant combinations and a chat with the designer about the whys and wherefores. They could do a whole series on the nurseries exhibiting in the marquee and really should devote more time to them as they are exceptional plants people.
Love the bits with Adam discussing design and Carol on plants. Joe Smith is marginally less irritating this year but I still find Monty looks uncomfortable in his role.
There is something odd about a Flower Show having so many "natural" landscapes. I know it's been hard to find sponsors to fund big gardens this year and sincerely hope that next year they'll have a but more confidence and we'll have some proper gardens with more plants than stone/concrete/water.
I read, ( so it might well be incorrect ) that many sponsors have pulled out due to new rules by HMRC regarding sponsorship and having to show " real benefits" to clients to whom they supply "hospitality"
Seems they're cracking down on Champagne guzzling freebies being classed as "business"
Totally agree with Obs. If these Celeb gardens are so good, have them on a separate programme. A chelsea inspiration / build up could also be a separate programme.
I just want The Chelsea Flower Show to be about , erm, the Chelsea Flower Show
Last edited: 26 May 2017 12:32:37
Some good points above. I would love a whole show of Carol touring the pavilion & pointing out new varieties etc.
Thanks hosta fan if they are not at Gardeners world I will email them.
I have just caught up with this thread I have been laughing out load at some of the comments well done all.
Ahh Chelsea, its one of those events that delights & annoys in equal measure. I was lucky enough to go first when I worked at my first job which was just over the road from the Royal Hospital Grounds, in those days RHS members got in free & one of our Doctors used to hand her ticket round. I went later legitimately when they put a stop to members getting in free, but then I stopped going for a long time as its got so expensive & CROWDED went last year & enjoyed it a lot but still prefer Hampton court - more space & you can buy plants the whole time.
The trouble (for me) with the BBC coverage is the same with a lot of events they cover, they simply "do it to death" whether its Chelsea, Football, or anything else. They put on too many shows too long, with too many "pundits" so much of the coverage is unnecessary/ irrelevant padding. They are even doing this with news & current affairs programmes endless repetition & mulling over & commentary.
I am still watching it though, we usually record it & then double speed through the dross!
Glad we keep you entertained Iain. Lots of FFing here too, especially the afternoon show.
I've given up on the afternoon show, despite the lovely Mr Wong.
If there's anything worth seeing , they seem to go back to it in the evening.
Hi all,
I never spotted this thread and so started one as well.
Luckily, fidgetbones directed me here - to save writing it all out again, see the below link
http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/the-potting-shed/rhs-chelsea-2017/998781-1.html#latest
I agree that the BBC coverage leaves a lot to be desired - I don't think Chelsea's been Chelsea since Alan Titchmarsh stopped presenting it, as good as Monty and the others may be.
Last edited: 26 May 2017 17:07:09
I watch the celebs wandering around with a glass of champagne in hand, and think it is a shame that they cannot have a raffle type draw for long standing members of the RHS, say 10 years or more, to join the Gala evening. Instead there seems to be a lot of people there to be seen and not knowing anything about gardens. Not too much to ask for 10 years of membership is it? A random sample of real gardeners?