The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the must attend events of the year for botanists. Located in the beautiful scenery of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the Flower Show brings floral extraordinaires from across the globe to London, and offers up a wide range of beautiful displays. If you are visiting the Park Grand Paddington Court then you’re situated in a prime location to enjoy the 5 day extravaganza. Whether you’re an expert or simply looking for a memorable way to spend your London holiday, the Chelsea Flower Show promises more than just beautiful flowers. This year, the Chelsea Flower Show takes place from the 21st to the 25th of May.
History of the Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show was started in 1862. Originally based in Kensington, close by to the Park Grand Lancaster Gate, the Chelsea Flower Show was started by the Royal Horticultural Society as a Spring show. Before that, the flower shows started by the Royal Horticultural Society had been based in Chiswick, but it was agreed that a more central location would attract more visitors. By the start of the 20th century, the Chelsea Flower Show was one of the most popular horticultural events of the year and has further grown from 6 to now dozens of marquees and tents.
The Chelsea Flower Show today
The Chelsea Flower Show is now home to hundreds of different stages and takes up a stunning 11 acre ground around the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. With the beautiful grounds, the flower show brings in over 157,000 ticketed visitors a year, all visiting the 5 day event to explore the wide range of new trends in the flower garden world.
The Royal Hospital
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is an historic West London venue which was built as an army veteran hospital back in 1682, offering a retreat and some respite for his army. As an independent charity, the Royal Hospital, Chelsea benefits greatly from the yearly flower show and is now used as a retirement home for those who served in the armed forces of the UK. This hospital can host up to 300 veterans at any one time and the gardens surrounding it are Grade II listed as an historic park and garden.
What to expect from the Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most significant horticultural events in not only the UK, but in the world. If you are staying at Premier Club hotels and want to see London in full, vibrant colour, then the Chelsea Flower Show is well worth a visit.
Live broadcasting
The Chelsea Flower Show is broadcast around the world by the BBC, who offer exclusive interviews and amazing showcases of some of the best arrangements on show there. On top of this, the event is annually visited privately by members of the royal family on the day before the event takes place.
Awards at the Chelsea Flower Show
There are a wide range of awards at the Chelsea Flower Show, many of the displays created specifically for the competition by both amateurs and professionals. The main competition award categories include the Flora Gardens and floral exhibits, Hogg Exhibits of trees, Knightian Exhibit of vegetables and herbs, the Lindley Exhibit of special educational or scientific interest and Grenfell Exhibit of pictures, photographs, floral arrangements and floristry. Special awards include Best Show Garden, Best City Garden and Certificates for junior displays.
