The Chelsea Flower Show 2024
What The Chelsea Flower Show means to us and what you need to see this year
After what has felt like an endless Winter, nothing could signify the arrival of Spring quite like the annual Chelsea Flower Show. The highlight of the horticultural calendar, The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the best garden events in the world, attracting around 170,000 visitors to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of the flowers, plants and the natural world!
So what can we expect? Well, sustainability is expected to be a central theme once again, with designers keen to demonstrate that overall design does not have to be compromised by a low carbon footprint. In fact, the gardens on show this year will be the greenest since the show's first opening in 1913.
Quintessentially British, the Chelsea Flower Show is a must for all gardening enthusiasts, but more than that, it is a core part of the social season within the UK, alongside Wimbledon and the Henley Regatta. A place where people can enjoy champagne and Pimms with their strawberries and Chelsea Buns! It also has the Royal Connecion and the magic of escape within stunning tranquil gardens despite being very much nestled within the hustle and bustle of London.
Our Must - See Gardens
The Bridgerton Garden
Designed by: Holly Johnston
Built by: Stewart Landscape Construction
Based on Penelope Featherington's wallflower-like character, The Bridgerton Garden is a secluded haven set within a moongate which leads to a tiered water feature and sunken seating area.
One side of the garden is largely shaded - alluding to themes of mystery, turmoil and defiance, with layers of groundcover, ferns and ivy throughout, intended to represent a woven network of secrets. In contrast, the other half of the garden is brighter, with a sophisticated palette of colours. A ‘full bloom’ effect designed to be symbolic of Penelope embracing her true self and coming into the light.
Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden
Designed by: Naomi Slade & Dr Ed Barsley
Built by: Belderbos Landscapes, in assoc. with Water Artisans
A garden designed to be both enjoyable and relatable but moreover, to reduce flood risk and recover quickly after heavy rainfall.
The use of dense planting is key in slowing the water flow, while water is also captured for use later:
"After heavy rain, the elevated deck and mound - linked by a bridge over a central swale - provide both habitable places for people, and well-drained soil for the plants that need it. The swale forms a stream, channelling rainwater into a feature pond where it can gradually soak away, while large tanks double as ornamental ponds which store water for later use, and can be discharged ahead of further rain using smart-technology."
The Water Aid Garden
Designed by: Tom Massey and Je Ahn
Built by: Landscape Associates
Exploring the challenges presented by climate change, The WaterAid Garden focuses on sustainable water management whilst featuring a colourful spectrum of plants which deal well with varying rainfall.
The garden makes use of reclaimed and repurposed materials for a lighter carbon footprint with a rainwater-harvesting pavilion at it's centre. The structure harvests every drop of rain, filters and stores it for drinking and irrigating. It also slows the water flow and provides shade from the heat.
What the Celebrities are wearing
