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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 Part 2 – The Great Pavilion
When I finally gave in to temptation and ventured into the great pavilion, it hadn’t yet started raining. With hindsight I probably should have stayed outside a bit longer but as this was my favourite part of Chelsea on my last visit in 2021, I simply couldn’t pass another entrance. In we go! Floral Creations The entrance I had chosen was right by the floral installations, which at one time I wouldn’t have been that interested in, but in recent years I’ve developed much more of an appreciation for what we used to call ‘flower arranging’. As well as the more traditional flower creations displayed on a plinth, there was…
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 – Part 1 The Show Gardens
I feel extremely lucky to have been able to attend a second RHS Chelsea Flower Show.The first one I had the pleasure of visiting was in 2021 and as a result of the world wide Covid-19 pandemic it was held in the autumn for the first time in their hundred plus year history.So it was wonderful to be able to attend this year, with it back at its usual time slot of late May – not that you would have guessed from our unpredictable weather. Monday the 20th May was the opening day and the sun shone pushing the temperatures up into the mid 20’s. A perfect day for the…
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Am I turning into a Flower Arranger?
I suppose flower arranging has always gone hand in hand with gardening, but it’s just not something I’ve ever bothered with. I’ve never picked flowers from my own garden to bring into the house, preferring to see them growing naturally outside. Obviously I do my best when someone has bought me a bunch of flowers, I do like to see them arranged nicely. It’s possible that because my mum went to flower arranging classes years ago, and would come home with some spectacular but very formal displays, it put me off. My mum is exceptionally talented and can turn her hand to anything practical and artistic. She definitely brought me…
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Gardening highlights of 2021
Firstly let me start by wishing you all a very happy new year. Yet again we find ourselves, not sorry to see the back of last year. Which is quite sad as life goes by so quickly, we really should be enjoying every minute! Luckily, with a love of gardening, it is easy to forget the world’s troubles. At least temporarily when you’re absorbed with the tasks in hand. Sowing, potting on, planting out and then tending to those precious plants. Not to mention all of that thinking time. Sitting looking at the borders & pots, planning what to do next. I’ve said it a million times before, but gardening…
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Part 3 – Smaller Gardens & Shopping!
After arriving very early at the RHS Chelsea flower show, we headed straight to the show gardens. We then had a quick coffee break before exploring the great pavilion. Now after a rather long leisurely lunchbreak (feet had to recover), we’re ready for the rest. And my goodness there is still such a lot to see! As the main food area is by the band stand, we strolled down Serpentine Walk and took in the ‘Container Gardens’ another new for Chelsea. I think most of us know the benefits of containers, they bring in colour, then can be moved out of the way once it fades. Also ideal for growing…
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Part 2 – The Great Pavilion
I can hardly believe that I am finally at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! After all these years watching it on the TV. I arrived early and went straight to the show gardens featured in part 1. But I’ve had my coffee break now and I’m ready for The Great Pavilion! The Great Pavilion Nothing can prepare you for the immense size of the pavilion. Even the open top London bus (upper-deck planted with tree ferns), just got lost. I even found a Chelsea pensioner looking a bit lost. He told me, he usually knows his way around with no problems until, “they put all this here”. He was trying…
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Part 1 – The Show Gardens
Well here we go, I’ve finally got myself to the RHS Chelsea flower show! And what a momentous year to go, with the 2020 show not able to go ahead due to a world wide pandemic. Even this years show has been affected, having to be moved from its usual slot in May, to September. Although a virtual show was held back in the spring to lift our spirits and allow the exhibitors chance to show what they had prepared. But it’s back! 28 months on from the last one. And here I am about to tick it off my bucket list. I’m well prepared with my most comfortable footwear…