Nicki Chapman and James Wong take a first look at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018, which opened its gates to a host of VIP’s and celebrities. Nicki chats to pop star turned farmer JB Gill about his newly found passion for gardening, and Nick Knowles looks at the Chelsea show gardens designed to raise awareness.
Florist Simon Lycett arranges a vase of seasonal flowers with actress Lesley Joseph, and the team will be capturing all of the buzz of day one.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018
The world’s most prestigious flower show that inspires millions and leads the way in innovative garden design. The Chelsea Flower Show receives a lot of publicity. It is attended by 157,000 visitors each year (a number limited by the capacity of the 11-acre (45,000 m2) ground), and all tickets must be purchased in advance. From 2005 the show was increased from four days to five, with the first two days only open to RHS members.
Several members of the British Royal Family attend a preview of the show, as part of the royal patronage of the RHS. The area of land devoted to show gardens increased steadily between 1970 and 2000 and the show has become an important venue for watching trends. New plants are often launched at the show and the popularity of older varieties revived under the focus of the horticultural world. It is the garden design equivalent of a catwalk at a fashion show.