Monty Don and Joe Swift launch BBC2’s week-long celebrations at 2017’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and share their first thoughts about the show gardens.
They are joined by Adam Frost, Carol Klein, Juliet Sargeant and Frances Tophill, who bring you the very best from the most prestigious flower show in the world. Joanna Lumley joins to share her long-held passion for plants.
Chelsea Flower Show episode 4 2017
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.
