And, no, before anyone rings the RHS there was no secret snipping, not that I wasn’t tempted, but I made a point of leaving my scissors at home on this occasion. Didn’t want to be writing this blog from the Tower.
So, a Chelsea Flower Show held in autumn, the first time in the show’s history, was not to be missed and I was extremely fortunate to get a pass for Press Day. Always traditionally the quietest day of the week there were certainly fewer people and exhibitors; no David Austin Roses, no Hilliers and the Great Pavilion was the emptier for their absence, but the floristry was fabulous and what a joy to be able to indulge in Dahlias and Chrysanthemums in all shapes, sizes and colours, and another first for Chelsea, pumpkins.
But back to the floristry and two new competitions, Floral Installations and Floral Windows. I have to admit, after the 2019 show, which was the last with the BFA, and the subsequent loss of the Floral Design Marquee I was worried that floristry was being quietly side-lined, but it seems not. The atmosphere was really positive, and everyone I spoke to who had been involved was thrilled to be there. I got to chat with Trudie Easton who won Gold and Best in Show for her installation ‘Nature is our Medicine’ who commented that during the course of the build-up she had made floristry friends for life, which is pretty wonderful. I only wish I could have been back at Chelsea on a public day to hear what the visitors thought.
Outside the show ground, Chelsea in Bloom’s ‘Extraordinary Voyages’ was in full swing, as you would expect from the King’s Road. Inventive and humorous with a surprise around every corner, such as a 25’ Statue of Liberty covered entirely in Eucalyptus, half ton wooden elephants, and should you ever have a surplus of loft insulation and pampas grass, can I suggest a couple of camels?
Enjoy your flowers!
Su W
