RHS Chelsea Flower Show

When: 22 - 26 May 2018
Where: Royal Hospital Grounds, Chelsea, London, UK

Cited as one of the most prestigious garden shows in the UK, which invites a huge number of visitors to its premises, Chelsea Flower Show, was first held in 1913 in the grounds of Royal Hospital Grounds of Chelsea and since then has been one of the most awaited flower shows in the UK.

The Chelsea Flower Show that has been associated with the Royal Family of the UK, used to be Britain’s largest flower show till the flower show at Hampton Court took over. However, over the years the Chelsea Flower Show has maintained its status as one of the most impressive garden shows. From its inception, the show has had both nursery exhibits and model gardens and every year the show has exhibitors from all over the world as well as Britain.

Considered as a celebration of the highest quality horticulture and a banquet for one’s imagination, Chelsea Flower Show is an important place if you want to observe the latest trends in gardening, in addition to the hybrids, which are often introduced at the show. Managed by Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea Flower Show is also known as the Great Spring Show and includes popular features like show gardens, urban gardens and artisans.

Keeping with the commitment of offering something new and innovative every year, the Chelsea Flower Show this year is introducing some new features that will keep the visitors enthralled. As the name suggests ‘Fresh’ is a brand new area, which includes contemporary, inventive gardens and trade stands that offer creative new products, RHS Environment features some clever solutions to the problem areas like how to turn town and cities green, along with some new food courts and restaurants so that you can put your feet up and relax.

Although the tickets for Chelsea Flower Show are sold out, however there are times when some tickets are returned hence interested visitors are advised to check back for any such ticket availability.

Some of the official RHS ticketing partners are The TicketFactory, ATG Tickets, and Encore Tickets. Please don’t be tempted to buy your ticket from any unauthorised outlets.

You can also buy your tickets via Albemarle of London and Ticketline in Cardiff. In case the tickets have been sold out, it is worth checking with the others for availability.

Members’ day tickets can be purchased officially from The TicketFactory and ATG Tickets.

Interestingly the use of colourful sculptures are forbidden in Chelsea hence there have been no garden gnomes at Chelsea Flower Show, however one frequent exhibitor, Jekka McVicar managed to smuggle a gnome into her exhibits.

McBean’s Orchids and Blackmore and Langdon are the only two firms who have been exhibiting since 1913 when the first Chelsea Flower Show was put up.

It is advisable to travel by public transport for the show as there is a limited parking space, which is available on a first come first serve basis. Wear comfortable shoes as there will loads of walking involved.

Avoid carrying your own eatables as the catering facilities at the show are excellent and offer everything from three -course meals to sandwiches and fish and chips. You can also enjoy some champagne, wine, cocktails and beer along with your salads, sandwiches and cakes.

Keeping in mind the comfort of a visitor and the safety of children, children below five years, babies in arms, pushchairs and prams are not allowed to enter the show.

Pets are not allowed unless they are either guide or assistance dogs.