One thing I never forget as I walk around the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on Press Day is how incredibly fortunate I am to be in a position to see it with very few people around. This year, as like last, I was even able to walk into the very centre of a few of the gardens, which is a privilege that I am so incredibly grateful for. It means I am able to film and photograph up close so I can share my highlights with you. If you had asked me five years ago whether this would ever be possible in my life I’d have said: “Not on your nelly!” So, for all you budding reporters and writers out there, the moral of this story is keep on going and never give up!
Now, The BBC does an extraordinarily good job of the coverage of this show and many other bloggers will report in fine detail the minutiae of each show garden, so I’m not going to repeat that for you. What I thought I would do is show you what I loved the most: my favourite gardens, stands, products and interval beverages.
Now please do wear VERY comfortable shoes, bring a brolly, if possible a little bag for much needed purchases, water and in my case, a phone-charging battery pack and the ability to say hello and move on promptly!
Not that the day is a hardship, it’s glorious, but my god your feet are going to hurt so take heed. Now, join me at Press Day, get the champers on ice!
The above video is an extended version from one you may have seen on Instagram this morning of my favourite garden. It’s the Moroto no IE Garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara. His garden was my favourite last year too. Ishihara has won twelve gold medals so far. Will he get a thirteenth this morning?
This is a garden where vibrant acres and a tumbling waterfall blend the beauty of the natural world with the practicalities of family life. I can’t quite describe how I feel when I am in the presence of one of his gardens, but he makes me feel immediately calm. The use of moss to cover walls, the Acers for screening, the sound of tumbling water and the dappled light that shines through the tapestry of planting is sublime. If heaven was a garden this would be it.
A little Rosé interlude
Well, you can’t have a day at Chelsea without a little liquid refreshment! We were treated to a little sample of Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé. Oh my word! If you love a very pale Côtes de Provence style rosé then you are in for a treat! Stop by and say hello to these guys and feel all is right with the world by the time you leave!
Other garden highlights of mine.
There are so many gardens, big and small at RHS Chelsea, it’s difficult to see everything in one day, particularly if you keep bumping into people you know, like I did! Luckily, I am back there today for a second look. But here’s a little video of my favourites so far.
Things I’ve got my eye on with sustainability, the environment and climate change in mind.
Who doesn’t love a bit of shopping? It’s a veritable cornucopia of delights at RHS Chelsea this year with a real nod to sustainability, coping with climate change and our ever-changing environment. Here’s my top picks!
Ocean Plastic Pots
All Ocean Plastic Pots are made in Scotland from 100% recycled rope, fishing net and waste plastic. By buying something from these guys you are literally growing awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans and helping the world you live in.
HOTBIN Composter
Make your own organic compost in just 90 days with the super-efficient HOTBIN aerobic hot composter - voted “Best Compost Making Product”. Just add fresh kitchen waste, cardboard and paper, then wood chippings, stir and wait for glorious compost!
Two little inventions from Gardena UK that are ingenious!
I’m all for anything that makes my life easier. Gardena UK have come up with two of the best this year! A pair of secateurs called GripCut that not only cut, but then hold the stem you have cut to discard it! No more scratches from prickly thorns! What about this soft pump sprayer too? It delivers the perfect amount of water for irrigating seedlings or small plants. Love this so much!
…and finally.
Last, but not least, one of my favourite shops on earth. Nothing particularly to do with climate change, or sustainability, but they are made of wood and hair and they are very pretty and useful. You know I love to clean and I love it even more if the implement is pretty! Get a load of this from the Oxford Brush Company. I’m in heaven.
Hope you liked this slightly different take on RHS Chelsea 2024. Xx
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