The Magic of Chelsea Flower Show
What to see at the Worlds' most prestigious Flower Event
If you, like me, adore being completely surrounded by flowers and breathtaking gardens, then there’s one event in your lifetime that you simply cannot miss—the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. Blooming May 20th-25th, 2025. Let me take you on a little tour through what makes this show the grandest and most prestigious floral extravaganza in the world.
A Blooming Spectacle
Every year, nearly 170,000 visitors walk through the floral wonderland that is the Chelsea Flower Show (CFS), with millions more admiring the spectacle through TV and media. Hubby G (his IG and Substack alias name) and I have attended the first members’ day each year for the last 2 years. A day when the gardens are fresh, the grass untrampled, the staff bright and bubbly and the staff manning the display stands eager to talk, mingle and show off their gardens and flowers. There maybe summer rain, but regardless, the energy is palpable. This is also the day when the prestigious medals are awarded, and the excitement is electric as designers, media, and flower lovers alike gather to witness the unveiling of the best in horticulture. Camera booms swing overhead, journalists rush for interviews, celebrities receive special tours and guests jostle for front-row views of the jaw-dropping display gardens. The atmosphere? Absolutely buzzing.
But rather than ramble on, let me share some highlights and let the photos do most of the talking.
Floral Art & Blooming Creations
As a florist, my heart always leads me straight to the floristry section. Last year, I covered the CFS floristry competition for Flowers Magazine Australia, so we spent extra time soaking in the intricate designs, snapping photos, armed with a bottle of the official Chelsea Flower Show Pommery and sipping out of our acrylic glasses. With the classic damp British weather driving crowds into the Great Pavilion, the floral artistry inside was even more appreciated. There probably isn’t a florist alive that doesn’t dream of winning one of the Shows prestigious prizes.
The Floral Creations category saw designers showcasing their masterpieces on towering one-metre-high plinths, with ‘colour’ as the theme of the year. Judged on floristry design principles, the all British entrants competed for the coveted RHS medals. The crown of RHS Florist of the Year went to Lara Thorpe for her breathtaking Spectrum of Fire arrangement. Sustainability remains a key factor, and in keeping with modern eco-conscious floristry, all entries were entirely floral foam-free.
In a rather thrilling moment, I nearly knocked over Monty Don (yes, the Monty Don!) and the BBC film crew right after he wrapped up an interview with Lara.
The Creative Spaces floristry category saw the Ambassadors’ Choice award go to Kitten Grayson for her ethereal ‘As Above So below. Seed to Ceiling’ installation. I even got a photo with Kitten and spotted Sophie from U.FL.O wandering through the displays.
The third category was for the sponsored larger Floral Installations which wowed the public, with spectacular creations from Lucy Vail and Judith Blacklock. Each display was an immersive floral dreamscape, designed to captivate and inspire.
Oh, and the Fashion!
It wouldn’t be Chelsea without fashion as bold and vibrant as the blooms themselves. Floral prints, structured blazers, dazzling hats—think English garden party chic with runners at its finest. Gentlemen sport colourful jackets and patterned shirts, and hats remain firmly in place, rain or shine (even under umbrellas!). But let’s not get too distracted—I’ll dive into Chelsea fashion in more detail with G in next week’s post.
The Gardens: Where Art Meets Nature
Step outside the Great Pavilion, and you’re greeted by the stunning display gardens. British and international landscape designers this year will be designing to the theme ‘celebrating the beautiful natural landscapes of the British Isles’. The 15m x 10m display gardens each individual offer cutting edge designs and new trends. There is no end to what they will install and create; waterfalls, ponds, hardscaping, mature trees, fencing, outdoor furniture, rockscapes, potted plants and of course a superb plant selection. The detail exquisite, no leaf is out of place, each flower having just opened. It’s hard to believe that several months earlier the gardens did not exist.
There was no shortage of familiar faces. Nicki Chapman from Escape to the Country, was interviewing. We saw former British Prime Minister Theresa May having a private tour of a garden, and various British gardening personalities including James Wong recording live throws to TV.
The All About Plants category showcases stunning gardens backed by the Project Giving Back (PGB) initiative, which funds designs celebrating charitable organizations, community groups, and educational projects across the UK. These gardens don’t just disappear after the Show; they find new homes in schools, public spaces, and community projects, where they continue to inspire future generations of gardeners.
Beyond the Blooms: What Else is On?
Chelsea Flower Show isn’t just about flowers. The Great Pavilion also showcases horticultural science and innovation, and announces the coveted Plant of the Year award. Sustainability takes centre stage with the RHS Sustainable Garden Product of the Year competition, where companies present eco-friendly gardening solutions. There’s also a balcony and container garden display competition.
And, of course, what’s a day at Chelsea without indulging in its many dining experiences? From gourmet fine dining to classic English high tea, there’s something to suit every palate. You can also shop ‘til you drop at the countless specialty vendors selling everything from rare plants to stylish garden accessories. There’s also music entertainment.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The RHS has confirmed that the 2025 Show will feature the same Floral Creations and Creative Spaces competitions. While floral art may not be for everyone, there’s always inspiration to be found in each arrangement. If you have a love for flowers, design, or simply the magic of nature, Chelsea Flower Show is an absolute must-see.
I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to attend this year (a last minute business trip for G), but until then, I’ll be dreaming of the breathtaking blooms and the endless inspiration Chelsea Flower Show has to offer.
Stay tuned for next week’s post—our very first duet article (if that’s a thing)—where G and I will spill all our top tips on how to make the most of your Chelsea Flower Show experience. This will be my first paywalled post, and trust me, the advice we share will be a game-changer for navigating this incredible event. It’s a long, jam-packed day, but if you go in prepared, you’ll have a fun day and come away with a heart full of memorable moments and a mind bursting with gardening inspiration.
Are you going to Chelsea Flower Show?
Looks absolutely magical! Loved this insider’s view.
Very interesting. A beautiful idea. I have often heard of the show but never known much about it.