The Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London every year since 1913, apart from gaps during the two World Wars. Once Britain’s largest flower show (it has now been overtaken by RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show), it is still the most distinguished.
What’s on at RHS Chelsea 2019
It wouldn’t be Chelsea without the super-sleek gardens from internationally-renowned designers and 2019 promises to be no exception. New for this year, Kate Middleton, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, will co-design the RHS Back to Nature Garden with Davies White Landscape Architects.The RHS Back to Nature Garden isinspired by childhood memories triggered by the natural world. It’s described as a woodland setting for families and communities to connect with nature and enjoy growing plants to nurture and support their health and wellbeing. Take a walk along Main Avenue and see leading designers pull out all the stops with world-class Show Gardens in their bid to win an RHS Gold medal and the coveted award for Best Show Garden. Designer Andy Sturgeon will create a garden inspired by rock formations on an Australian beach in his design for M&G, while Mark Gregory has taken to the canals for inspiration for his Show Garden, Welcome to Yorkshire. You can also expect to see designers tackling topical issues with their gardens in 2019. Sarah Eberle is exploring how forests are faring in the face of climate change with her design, The Resilience Garden, while Chris Beardshaw will consider sustainability and the potential of a circular economy in The Morgan Stanley Garden. The popular Artisan Gardens are also making a welcome return. These smaller spaces located in leafy Ranelagh Gardens offer thought-provoking designs that tell a story. Here, find gardens that raise awareness for donkeys, motor neurone disease and land-based education. Coming back to Chelsea for a second year are the Space to Grow Gardens. Featuring designs sponsored by the likes of CAMFED and Facebook, these gardens will show you how to create showstopping displays with limited space.
The Great Pavilion
Standing proud as the centrepiece of the show, the Great Pavilion houses specialist growers from across the UK, as well as nurseries from overseas who have travelled far and wide to attend the show. More than 80 exhibitors are lining up to create dazzling displays, with many regular favourites returning to the show, including David Austin Roses, The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and McBean’s Nursery. This year you’ll be able to experience a walk-through judged garden in the Great Pavilion. The design, created by Tom Dixon and sponsored by IKEA, will be the first like it in the show’s history.
Explore Chelsea after hours
The Chelsea Late is a unique opportunity to stay at the show, long after the crowds have dispersed. Here you can indulge in botanical-inspired cocktails, relax to the sounds of cool jazz and explore the Ranelagh Gardens in a twilight setting.
Things to do at Chelsea 2019
– Visit Show Gardens from top designers, bringing the most innovative ideas to horticulture.The popular Artisan and Space to Grow Gardens also make a welcome return, offering plenty of take-home inspiration. – Chelsea is celebrating the multitude of benefits that gardening has for health in 2019. Garden designers will explore the positive powers of plants and will tackle hard-hitting issues – from climate change and pollution to mental and physical health. – Chelsea’s Great Pavilion is home to nurseries and growers from all over the globe. – Head to the Discovery Zone within the Great Pavilion and discover a series of educational and innovative exhibits. – You can shop until you drop at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show - whether you’re after new gardening tools, gifts, or something for your wardrobe. – For something extra special, discover the show-stopping menu at Raymond Blanc’s revolutionary Jardin Blanc.
Show times
Tuesday & Wednesday – RHS Members’ Days (21-22 May 2019) 8am – 8pm Thursday & Friday (23-24 May 2019) 8am – 8pm Saturday (25 May 2019) 8am – 5.30pm* *At 4pm on the last day of the show, the plant sell-off begins.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now. Visit rhschelsea.seetickets.com
Getting to RHS Chelsea Flower Show
It has been recommend that visitors travel to the show by public transport. To find out more about how to get to the showground by public transport, go to the Transport for London Journey Planner. Tube Sloane Square tube station (on the District and Circle Lines) is a 10-minute walk from the showground. Train London Victoria is the closest train station to the show. Shuttle Transport for London operates a shuttle service from Victoria Station to RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Cycle Cycle racks are available at Burton’s Court Car Park, opposite the London Gate entrance - postcode SW3 4SR. Parking Public parking is available in Battersea Park and must be pre-booked with your tickets.
