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Themes in 2002 contd
Other gardens stayed with a more formal theme. The Garden of Transparency was an exercise in disciplined formality, and the Golden Jubilee garden used roses in a formal scheme.
Formal gardens, however, were few and contemporary gardens restricted to the smaller garden category. Many of these gardens used a strong central axis to underpin the design while wilder, woodland gardens used circular themes.
The promised tranquil gardens with clean simple lines and more finesse (read 'less fuss') in the planting were there but they were out-numbered by the wild gardens and wilderness. There were wildflowers, nostalgic gardens and gardens with an environmental conscience.
Skilful planting is key to a medal award as the RHS has stressed plantsmanship in assessing the gardens. Plants crossed the spectrum of early summer bloomers, and few gardens were found without the seemingly obligatory allium. Roses were popular and amongst the trees birches, with their wonderful pale trunks, and coloured foliage trees were popular.
The informality that was prevalent this year came through even where topiary and clipped box were used. This was covered with fresh growth, rather than newly shorn, softening outlines and lending a mellow look to the gardens.
Floral Pavilions
The huge marquees are one of the glories of Chelsea. Nurserymen, specialist societies, international displays and, this year, city gardens provide impressive displays of colour, plantsmanship and design skills.
Chelsea is timed well for roses and the rose nurseries are well represented. David Austin Roses and Peter Beales Roses constructed elaborate rose gardens.
Specialist societies put together incredible displays on a shoestring budget. Overseas displays from tropical climates and faraway places bring an exotic touch.
Iris, peonies, poppies, clematis, bulbs, trees and perennials - if you can grow it then it will be there. Vegetables larger than anything you can imagine are arranged in splendour. An old-style auricula theatre, Monet's lake, a woodland glade - the inspiration and skill of the exhibitors is boundless.
Shop 'Til You Drop
There were loads of wonderful ideas on display. Amazing planters that suited contemporary gardens and striking, structural plants were popular.
Traditional wares were there - antique garden ornament. Classical styled lead and stone pieces jostled besides new ideas and fascinating products. Chelsea is a melting pot of styles and ideas. Modern and traditional jostle for space, kitsch and sleek are side by side.
Books, clothing, course, magazine subscriptions, botanical art; there is no end to what you can buy. We caught up with London-based botanical artist Bryan Poole producing a commemorative Chelsea iris etching on his stand.
Elaborate conservatories and simple (by comparison) glasshouses. Arbours, steel sculpture, classical planters to lawnmowers, gardeners can see all that is new and good. Garden classics and those fads or fashions that are breaking news.
Chelsea always has much to tempt, plenty to buy and even more to be amazed at. And visitors do buy - big ticket items as well as a new, must-have garden tool or a souvenir of the day. There is, quite simply something for everyone; the weird and wonderful.
Having Fun and Enjoying it All
Most passionate gardeners, and even just curious non-gardeners are keen to visit Chelsea at least once. Over 200,000 visitors thronged the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea for the four days of the show, with a limited number of celebrities and guests at the gala the preceding day.
Chelsea is a unique event in the gardening calendar, but these numbers make viewing the gardens and the displays difficult.
Chelsea pros get there early to avoid the crowds, they wear sensible footwear (forget those fashionable heels, no one can see your feet in the crowd!), carry a comfortable shopping bag, and queue to eat off-peak. It is quieter in the evenings and first thing. Try to take advantage.
Crowding the aisles, waiting patiently (or not so patiently) to see the garden of the show, shopping in the retail section, or simple evaluating new trends, gardeners visiting Chelsea found it difficult to see some of the gardens.
The Floral Pavilions, on the other hand seemed to be an oasis of calm and space.
The weather didn't help. Blustery and with showers, visitors found it trying. Yet many Chelsea visitors simply have a great day, thousands make it an annual event, enjoying the ambience and feel of Chelsea - for there is no other Show like it.
Next page - Display Gardens
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Judging the 'Healing Garden' - the Awards are all
Brilliant colour in the Floral Pavilions
David Austin surrounded by his roses
Shop 'Til You Drop - Everything Horticultural
Sleek modern style from Mark Pedro del Torre
Botanical artist Bryan Poole, a London-based Kiwi
And they do buy...
It's busy and crowded but huge fun
The Chelsea Flower Show
20 to 23 May, 2003
Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London SW3. Tickets are available from late 2002 (See our Events Listings for details)
The Royal Horticultural Society
80 Vincent Square London SW1 2PE UK
Customer Services Tel +44 (1293) 433 956; Show Information Tel +44 (0)20 7649 1885
Website: Website www.rhs.org.uk
Tickets prices: GBP28.00 -GBP10.00 (non-members, 2002) for full/part day tickets
No gate sales, no re-entry, no babies or under 5's
Getting There: Public transport - Shuttle buses run from Victoria Station, it is a short walk from Sloane Square Underground Station on the District Line. Buses run to Slone Square and down Kings Road, both a short walk from the Show venue
Taxis in London are expensive, parking is extremely limited around the Show; no parking or stopping outside the Show. | | |
