It’s been a couple of weeks that flowers have popped out their heads and the leading horticultural event Chelsea Flower Show, started on Tuesday and ending tomorrow, has called for their time to shine: world-renowned garden designers, plant specialists and florists showcase their talent through cutting-edge and creative displays at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
It is not just at the show itself that flowers are boasting their beauty. Chelsea is indeed looking more stunning than ever in the context of ‘Chelsea in Bloom’, which is back in town for its 13th Anniversary. This alternative floral art show, produced by Cadogan in association with the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and which takes places throughout the duration of the Chelsea Flower Show, marks the opportunity for Chelsea’s top retailers, restaurants and hotels to adorn themselves with breathtaking designs and compete for the best floral displays.
The competitors had to interpret this year the theme of ‘Summer of Love’, inspired by the 60’s/70’s cultural revolution and, as one might have expected, with the Royal Wedding. Naturally, tributes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are abundant such as a heart display (see above) by Sloane Square.
You have until tomorrow to stroll through the streets of one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods to admire these floral delights. To make things easier, we’ve compiled for you a list of our personal favourites and must-sees.
1- Instagrammable Annabel's
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AT
What: One of the unmissable displays has to be the show-stopping façade of member’s club Annabel’s, entirely covered with gorgeous pink and red hydrangeas, designed by Whitney Hawkins, co-founder and CEO of the high-end online floristry business FLOWERBX. No doubt will you have to queue a little before trying get the best shot of this highly Instagrammable setting…but it’s worth the wait!
2- The Ivy Chelsea Garden : a celebration of Spring
Where: 95 -197 King’s Road, SW3 5EQ
What: We cant’ get enough of this gorgeous installation at the Ivy Chelsea Garden, who has collaborated with Jenny Packham. The brand’s upholstered cushions complement the fresh spring-feel cream and yellow colorama consisting of English garden roses, peonies and lemon mimosas and peppered with green foliage. A true delight for the eyes!
3- Psychedelic rag & bone
Where: 13-14 Sloane Square, SW1W 8SB
What: Without doubt, you’ll fall under the spell of retailer rag & bone’s storefront like we did. The label partnered with florists with Harper and Tom’s to design an eye-catching artwork. Thousands of flowers and plants were used to replicate the bold swathes and swirls of colour inspired by psychedelic music and graphic arts that emerged from the ‘Summer of Love’ in the sixties.
4- Sketch or the quintessence of English gardens
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
What: Do you imagine Sketch even prettier than it is already? Impossible, right? This venue has probably won the bet with its five exhibits capturing the romanticism of English gardens. Our preference goes to the ‘The May Fair’ installation in the Entrance Hall, created by JamJar Flowers and ‘An Expedition to the English Garden’ by Rebel Rebel in The Lecture Room & Library.
If you don’t have the chance to wander in Chelsea by tomorrow, follow the hashtag #Chelseainbloom in Instagram and get more details on http://www.chelseainbloom.co.uk/.