This morning at dawn, journalists and celebrities from around the globe converged on London's Chelsea for the start of the world's most famous flower show. And it continues until the end of this week when thousands will have visited this huge garden site in England's capital. Every year - and this is its 89th - the event gets better - with gardens so cleverly created and so very beautiful. It's always amazing to ordinary gardeners how the designers come up with such great ideas.
RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society organisers warmly welcomed the media today and if folk manage to secure tickets for the rest of the week, they will see some stupendous garden schemes, both large and small. Displays in the Great Pavilion are breathtaking and the new (this year) Artisans' Gardens provide striking themes and colours.
Showcasing Some Great Gardens
Among many unusual designs, the M & G Garden encapsulated a beautiful, relaxing space and a working plot producing fruit, herbs, veg and flowers; the Monaco Garden used my favourite combination of exotic purple and gold and we even glimpsed Prince Albert who proudly presented his Mediterranean flowers planted among dramatic landscaping and architecture; the Irish Sky Garden (designed by Diarmuid Gavin) was designed to enjoy a garden from unique heights. The design was inspired by Dublin animator Richie Baneham, who created the visual effects work in Avatar. The garden features a 22-metre crane, the first to be seen at a garden at Chelsea, as well. Clever stuff!
Press Call Timetable for some of the Hundreds of Exhibitors and Stands
From 8am the Exhibitors were up and ready to face the journalists and TV teams from around the world. The Urban Garden Exhibitors from Worcester, presented us with their interpretation of harnessing 'The Power of Nature', reminding us all how flexible the environment is when it comes to heating our homes and hot water.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne showcased the 'Australian Garden' which launched with a duo of enchanting birds - a cockatoo and a beautiful model dressed in the style of a cockatoo, set amongst more than 2,000 Australian native and rare plants. The well-known journalist, Rosie Boycott, representing the Mayor of London's office, opened the Bulldog Forge Garden. Boycott is Chair of London Food Link. Nicky Dominique Gurret and the Department of Parks, Bermuda presented exotic bridal flowers and some Bermudan wedding traditions with bride and groom dressed in traditional wedding costume adorned with live flowers.
The great TV cook Gary Rhodes came on to the Grenada stand, along with a steel band and costumed dancers, surrounded by subtropical plants from the island.
Basildon Bond Centenary Garden which was commissioned for the firm's centenary anniversary was interesting, celebrating Basildon Bond's iconic stationery brand. Several Chelsea Pensioners were on hand to pose for photographers.
Famous Visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show Today
Every year, celebrities are attracted to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, whether it's for the glamour and glitz of the special preview day or simply because they have a passion for gardens and gardening, but the regulars turn up each year and here are a few I met and/or photographed today: Floella Benjamin, Beverley Knight, Christopher Biggins, Dame Helen Mirren, Diana Moran, Gary Rhodes, Jayne Torvill, the JLS team, Judith Chalmers, Julian Fellowes, Lord Robert Winston, Nancy Dell'olio, Paul McKenna, Piers Morgan, Ringo Starr, Will Young among others.
The Royal Family Arrived at Three
At spot on three o'clock - as is the custom - HRH Qeen Elizabeth and members of her family arrived at Chelsea. Her Majesty has only ever missed one Show in 60 years. The press drained their last cup of coffee in the Press Tent, filed their copy, and left - another fabulous Launch Day at Chelsea.
Source: RHS Chelsea Flower Show press notes
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