Chelsea Flower SHOW

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8 Exciting Things To Do At RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021

For the first time, RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be held in the autumn season and will run for six days instead of five. Make the most of the extra day and take in the beautiful sights and smells with our top 8 things to do and see:

  1.  1: Discover the beautiful gardens
  2. 2: Visit BBC1’s Garden of Hope
  3. 3: Check out the Great Pavilion
  4. 4: Get inspiration from the house plant studios 
  5. 5: Get scientific at the Discovery Zone
  6. 6: Visit the Italian-syle Piazza 
  7. 7: Take a break with some fine wine-and-dining
  8. 8: Reflect on history and visit the heritage sites

With so much to do and see, keep reading as we make it easy-peasy to plan your trip to the RHS Chelsea Flower show 2021

 

When is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021?

This year’s show will take place from 21–26 September 2021.

This year, attendees will see the Royal Hospital Chelsea transformed with stunning horticultural displays, themed to celebrate the work of NHS nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Gardeners, plant experts, and florists from around the world will come together to present their show-stopping floral arrangements and inspirational garden designs. From gardens to history, fine dining to house plants, there’s something for everyone at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year...

 

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  1. Discover the beautiful gardens

The flower show is world-renowned for its garden displays, created by cutting edge garden designers and experts. With the show being far later than usual in spring, the autumnal conditions and plants will give gardeners this year a challenge like no other! 

The themes this year are focused on around health and wellbeing. This is to represent how many of us sought solace in our gardens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also inspired a new category called Sanctuary Gardens.  Other gardens are inspired by international landscapes and transporting attendees to faraway destinations.

 

  1. Visit BBC1’s Garden of Hope

In May, the RHS and BBC announced the Garden of Hope, created by award-winning designer Arit Anderson. The Garden of Hope takes inspiration from the change in season represented with autumnal plant selections, trees and foliage. A key feature of the garden design will be a large, twisting wooden structure created by the artist Charlie Whinney. 

After the flower show, the garden and sculpture will be donated to the Rosewood Mother and Baby Unit in Dartford – a specialist centre for new mothers and their babies with mental health issues.  Immersed in nature, the Garden of Hope will provide sanctuary, peace, and a place to relax for women at Rosewood for years to come.

 

  1. Check out the Great Pavilion

Built around a monument honouring those who lost their lives in the 1848-1849 Battle of Chillianwala, the enormous Great Pavilion tent will house some of the finest displays nurseries and growers have to offer. Nearly 3 acres in size, the tent will be awash with stunning floral displays and beautiful autumnal colours as far as the eye can see.  

  1. Get inspiration from the house plant studios 

This section sees another nod to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the growing popularity of indoor gardening.  Following the 2021 theme of health and wellbeing, the house plants studio will inspire those with less outdoor space to get gardening and immerse themselves in nature.

The houseplant studios include: Pharmacy of House Plants, Green Bathroom Retreat,Celebrate Autumn with House Plants, The Green Room and The Office by the RHS.

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  1. Get scientific at the Discovery Zone

The discovery zone is the scientific area of the show. It demonstrates fascinating and innovative ways to improve modern cultivation, food production and plant genetics. The highly informative and educational displays offer the chance to get up close and personal with cutting edge plant science and technology. 

Each year brings different displays, technology, and topics – but it generally covers:

  • Plant genetics
  • Species conservation
  • Grassroots schemes
  • Pollination and insects
  1. Visit the Italian-style Piazza

A Piazza is an Italian term used to describe an open square surrounded by buildings. The more modern interpretation is large verandas and market squares. Surrounded by olive trees, terracotta pots, and rare autumnal produce from supplier Villaggio Verde, you’ll find the Italianate market nestled within the great pavilion.

 

  1. Take a break with some fine wine-and-dining

At the show this year, you’ll find plenty of delectable dining and drinks options to suit any taste! Throughout the show, you’ll find food courts, cafes and picnic areas serving drinks and snacks perfect for the whole family.  Nestled amongst the floral displays and plant paradise are several exclusive restaurants: visit The Drawing Room for afternoon tea or sip on champagne at The Terrace Bar. If fresh and sustainable seafood takes your fancy, head to the Champagne and Seafood Restaurant for their seasonal à la carte menu.

 

  1. Reflect on history and visit the heritage sites

As the show is being held during autumn this year instead of the usual spring season, it will run alongside the Chelsea History Festival - 17-26th of September. The festival is held in conjunction with three iconic heritage sites - Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Chelsea, and the National Army Museum. 

The immersive outdoor event serves to tell a story about Chelsea’s history, hosting a whopping 70 physical and virtual events with talks from headline speakers such as Jonathan Dimbleby and James Holland. 

 

Continue the gardening adventure at home

From beautiful gardens to greenhouses, houseplants to boot-rooms, we’ve taken inspiration from the show this year to help you bring the essence of the show into your home.

 

  • If you’re short on space, make the most of your ground space by hanging your potted plants from curtain rails or wall hooks 
  • Ocean Plastic Pots won the prestigious 2021 prize for RHS Chelsea Sustainable Gardening Product of the Year. Their pots are made in the UK from discarded rope and fishing net 
  • Urban gardening is easy with slimline planting beds, or make your own from reclaimed palettes or wood
  • Don’t forget the boot room! Keep your wellies, boots and coats tidy with sturdy shoe racks, welly boot stands and plenty of coat hooks

 

With all the things to do at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, there’s sure to be something for everyone. So, where will you begin your adventure? 

Treat yourself and your garden to a Haws Watering can - an absolute classic British design.

Nutscene are the place to go for quality, colourful garden twine. Essential for all self respecting gardeners.

Handmade in Gloucestershire, be sure to check out Risdon & Risdon's gardener's apron, stylish and hardwearing.