In the gardening world, few things are more iconic than the Chelsea Flower Show. This fabulous event attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and continues to amaze, delight and inspire. The most recent show was held in September 2021, and it was particularly poignant (and greatly anticipated) after the cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are a number of reasons for the show’s popularity, of course. Perhaps the most obvious is the venue; the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea provide the perfect location for a show that begin more than a hundred years ago. The first event, held in 1913, was called the Great Spring Show, but compared to shows of the modern era the single marquee spectacle perhaps wasn’t so great as you might think.
These days, the show is only the second-largest in the UK behind the Hampton Court Garden Festival, but it’s rightly regarded still as the most prestigious. Exhibiting at Chelsea is often seen as the pinnacle of a gardener’s career, something to be understandably proud to have on the CV. Here at Brown Earth Landscapes, we’re so happy to be among that happy group.
Different season, same enjoyment
More than 160,000 visitors come to Chelsea every year, and in 2021 there was something very different to savour. Normally held in May, the September show gave exhibitors a chance to be creative with more autumnal displays for a change. The number of visitors was reduced for this year due to the need for social distancing, but it’s to be hoped the numbers will return to normal in 2022.
Many of the winners at this year’s event were of particular interest to fans of the show. Best Show Garden was awarded to the intriguing Guangzhou Garden, a tranquil and reflective exhibit beautifully framed by deciduous conifers. The Blue Diamond Forge Garden, named Best Artisan Garden, featured an eye-catching 15th century thatched forge as its centrepiece.
And when you need a break from viewing the various exhibits, it’s worth noting that the Chelsea Flower Show is the perfect occasion to find somewhere to sit, have a drink and play spot the celebrity. There are always famous faces to be seen at the event, and in 2021 you could have seen the likes of the Princess Royal, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Anthea Turner, Anton Du Beke, Sally Phillips, Bill Bailey and Dame Judi Dench.
If you’d like to experience that unique Chelsea Flower Show vibe, the 2022 event returns to its traditional May setting. Why not go along and see for yourself why it’s so popular? Garden designers in Scotland and across the world make a point of showing at Chelsea, and it’s easy to see why.
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Brown Earth Landscapes offer the type of garden design Perth and Kinross home-owners can fall in love with. Call 01250 884 342 to find out more.
