Seasonal

It’s Chelsea time:
horticultural heartland or consumer hell-hole?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (25th-29th May) is many things to many people – the plant junkie’s paradise, the shopper’s delight, a source of inspiration or an irritating sea of sharp elbows and blocked views.

These days, Chelsea is more about work than play for me – but I’m not complaining. It’s a time for networking, catching up with colleagues, being dazzled (and appalled) and deciding what’s a trend and what’s a fad. It’s a chance to see new products and meet new suppliers.

Every year I come home with hundreds of photos, armloads of brochures and my ‘little black book’ bulging with new contacts. I see it as the day when, in a short space of time, I can sort the good from the bad and the ugly so my clients don’t have to.

Chelsea tips

If you are planning a trip, here are my tips.

  • If you can, get there early (8am) and go straight to the big show gardens on Main Avenue while it’s still (fairly) quiet.
  • If it rains (and you can bear it) don’t retreat to the marquee like everyone else. Head to those show gardens again while everyone’s taking shelter. It will be (a bit) quieter.
  • For costlier purchases – greenhouses, furniture, machinery – keep your eyes open for show offers.