My contribution to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show every year is really minuscule, compared to almost everyone else on the site! My responsibility is to prepare the entries for Plant of the Year, and deliver them in a steadily-driven Volvo. The 6 months up to this point will have included worrying, pruning, preening, heating, cooling… as I’m trying to get the plants looking JUST RIGHT. However, this is only for 5 varieties of plant. I have UTTER respect for those who create whole, glorious gardens.
Experiencing Chelsea during the build up is really quite special. It is fascinating how such a small site can be used to such potential, and have so much activity going on, yet still feel relatively smooth and calm. Most of this is bound to be due to their lovely camaraderie that cultivates on-site. People give way to others, people are helping to lift things, pull things, and perhaps even advising on how to manouvere a sack barrow… (yes, that was me being given the pep talk…!)
So, if you’re lucky enough to get to visit the show, just stand for a moment and imagine everything that went into creating the site that you see before you. Some of these photos might help you with that visualisation! Enjoy!
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