The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014 runs from 20 – 24 May. You cannot deny that the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle of any horticultural calendar. Although it can divide public opinion with some of the garden designs, the event is a fantastic showcase for new plants, undiscovered plants and old favourites!
I have loved the show since I was 18, and have visited pretty much every year. In recent years, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to get in on the Monday (not over the fence, either!) so have had the privilege to walk around with a bit more space, able to get up close to the displays and gardens!
There’s been even more of a buzz about the show since they began the “Best New Plant” contest 5 years ago, and every year Thompson & Morgan have entered their most sparkling new plants. In 2012, we won! Foxglove “Illumination Pink” was crowned “Best New Plant”, thanks to its unique heritage (Isoplexis x Digitalis), 5 month flowering, perennial status and exotic colourings!
Foxglove ‘Illumination Pink’
This year, we have a few up our sleeve. But, personally, I think Petunia “Black Night” is in with a chance. The Petunia “Black Night” is the world’s first double-flowered petunia with velvety, BLACK flowers. A lovely, mounded petunia, which is already picking up fans the world over…!!
Petunia ‘Black Night’
So, I’ll be ready, at the gates, at 8am next Monday, eager to get to the main marquee. This is where I’ll spend hours seeking out new plants, snapping with my camera, and yapping on about plants for hours. Bliss!
If you are one of the lucky ones that have a chance to visit this year, make sure you take pictures of you favourites and let us see them!
Daytime – Monday 23 – Friday 27 May 2011 12:30 – 13:00 on BBC One
Evening – Sunday 22 May 18:15 – 19:00 on BBC One
Monday 23 May 19:30 – 20:00 on BBC One and 20:00 – 21:00 on BBC Two
Tuesday 24 May 20:00 – 21:00 on BBC Two
Wednesday 25 May 20:30 – 22:00 on BBC Two
Thursday 26 May 20:00 – 21:00 on BBC Two
Friday 27 May 20:00 – 21:30 on BBC Two
Saturday 28 May 19:30 – 20:00 on BBC Two
Sunday 29 May TBC on BBC One
Here are a few highlights to keep an eye out for;
RHS Chelsea at Twilight – Friday 23 May, 2014
An evening of light opera by Opera Holland Park. Ticket includes entry to the show at 5.30pm and a glass of champagne. The concert will commence at 8.15pm
Discovery (in the Great Pavilion) replaces RHS Environment and showcases the best scientific and educational exhibits from the world of horticulture
In the Great Pavilion include NAFAS’s display celebrating their Emerald anniversary (55 years) titled “A Green Thought in a Green Shade”, a one-off display by Perennial marking their 175 years of support for horticulturists and a stunning display by South West in Bloom highlighting “Fifty Golden Years of Bloom”