The Royal Chelsea Flower Show is Approaching

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Date Posted: 12/05/2023

The Royal Chelsea Flower Show is a must for every flower lover. If you plan on attending this year, here is a guide on how to really make the most of it.

May is an exciting month for flower fans across the UK.

Not only is the weather getting warmer and flowers and trees beginning to blossom in a wide array of stunning colours, but it is also time for the Royal Chelsea Flower Show.

This is one of the first events on the calendar for anyone who loves flowers and is always good fun and full of interesting information and special guests.

In this guide, we will take you through the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, detailing what it is, the history, the key events, and also provide some tips on how to visit.

Let's take a look.

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What is the Royal Chelsea Flower Show?

The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that is held in London around this time of the year.

It is a world-famous event that attracts well over 160,000 visitors for the five days that the event runs.

There is lots to keep you occupied as you spend a day or two enjoying the many sights and activities throughout the show.

The show is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, and if you're lucky enough to get yourself down for one of the days, you may find you're rubbing shoulders with famous celebrities and even some royalty.

Over its many years of running (more of this next) the show has built up a reputation for containing stunning exhibits and for being a hub of innovative and beautiful floral design, often created by leading horticulturalists from all over the world.

If you love your flowers and the natural world, this is a great event that you're sure to enjoy, so why not get one down, grab a glass of Pimm's, and take in the colours and smells of the many exhibits.

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The History of the Royal Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show has been running for over 150 years, with the first event taking place in 1862.

This event looked a lot different to the one we see today, and actually took place in Kensington.

At the time it was known as the Great Spring Show and was a three day event that occupied only one marquee.

It wasn't until 1913 that the show moved to Chelsea and the event as we know it today began to grow in popularity and stature.

Since this date well over 100 years ago, the show has taken place in the same location (barring a few suspensions during wartime).

While it wasn't as grand and such a large event as it is now, it was still capable of bringing in big names such as the King's Mother, Queen Alexandra.

As the years went by, the popularity of the event grew, and before long people were travelling from around the world to catch a glimpse of the stunning floral displays that were being exhibited.

It has now evolved into a huge event, and a must for any keen horticulturalist.

The space it occupies has grown, as well as the visitors, length of the show, and the amount of exhibits.

In recent times, top gardeners such as Monty Don have been in attendance, as well as Queen Elizabeth II who always enjoyed a stroll through the grounds.

It is an event steeped in history but one that has always had a love for flowers at its heart, and there's no sign of this ever changing.

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Key Events This Year

If you're heading to Chelsea for the show this year, here are three key events and exhibits that you should definitely stop by:

House Plant Studios - As regular readers of our blog know, we love a house plant here at flowersbypost.com, and that's why the House Plant Studios exhibit really caught your eye. Immerse yourself in this sensory experience as you stroll through different rooms all packed with plants. The piece has been created to showcase the positive effects houseplants can have on a place, and also will focus on the eco-friendly nature of incorporating these into your home.

Women in Horticulture Display - It's not always been easy for women to pursue a career in horticulture, but that didn't stop any of the amazing women who this display from garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson pays homage to. With a focus on key figures in the world of literature, science, art, and politics, plus a mention of some unsung heroes whose names you may not be familiar with, this is definitely worth a look.

Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award - Our company runs with sustainability at the forefront of our mind, and that's why we've recently changed our packaging to add even more eco-friendly benefits. Most flower and garden lovers are passionate about the environment, and that's why it's a great idea to check out the finalists for this year's sustainable product of the year. From wildflowers to hoses, there is a wide range of items here that have been made with sustainability in mind.

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Tips for Visiting the Royal Chelsea Flower Show

I'm sure if you've read this blog, you'll be itching to head over to the show.

Before you do though, check out these five tips so you can make the most of your time at the event.

Get Your Tickets Secured

This is a very popular event that is only growing in interest, so it is always a good idea to get your tickets booked well in advance. This way, you're sure to avoid disappointment and you can get everything planned nice and early.

Check the Weather

If there is one word to describe the Great British weather, it is unpredictable. As the Flower Show is held in May, it can be tricky to gauge what the weather will be like, so it is always wise to check it the day before, and the morning before you leave, and pack accordingly. Things can get wet and cold, so make sure you are prepared so you're always comfortable and can enjoy the show.

Plan Your Route

The last thing you want to do is get home and realise that you missed an exhibit that you think sounds really good. The event isn't small, and you will have several acres to cover as you wander round, so it's always a good idea to check the map of the grounds and the schedule and make sure you're always in the right spot at the right time. There is often lots of talks and demonstrations taking place that come with the price of admission, so find out what's on during the day you're visiting and take advantage of this.

Pack Food and Drink

While there are plenty of facilities throughout the event where you can grab some refreshments, it is always a good idea to bring some snacks and a bottle of water just in case you're feeling a bit peckish or thirsty. As mentioned earlier, the weather can be a bit hard to judge, and it can be really hot, so make sure you can always stay hydrated.

Don't Forget the Camera

You're going to want to catch some snaps of some of the amazing displays throughout the event. You may even bump into a celebrity on the way, so make sure when you do see something that catches your eye, you can catch it on camera and take the memories home with you. There's going to be so much to take in, you may not remember it all, so keeping your camera flashing is a great way to remind yourself of the exhibits at a later date.

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Flowersbypost.com

Some flowers you may see as you wander through the Chelsea Flower Show are freesias, carnations, tulips, roses, and more.

If you spot any you really love and want them delivered to your home the very next day, then why not take a look at flowersbypost.com?

We have a wide array of hand-picked bouquets that have been designed by our experts that can make your living room feel like your own flower show.

Want to know more? Then get in touch today.