What is the Chelsea Flower Show?
The Chelsea Flower Show is a famous garden show held each May in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, it showcases spectacular show gardens and new plants.
The show was first held at Chelsea in 1913, although the Royal Horticultural Society held earlier shows elsewhere. It has become one of the most prestigious events in the gardening world.
Garden designers create elaborate show gardens, which are judged and awarded medals. The Great Pavilion displays flowers and plants from nurseries around the world.
A royal favorite
Members of the royal family traditionally attend a preview of the show. Queen Elizabeth II visited many times, and King Charles III is a keen gardener.
The show attracts around 150,000 visitors over five days, and tickets often sell out. It is broadcast on television by the BBC.
New plant varieties are often launched at Chelsea. The show helps set gardening trends for the year. At the end of the show, plants are sold off to visitors, and some show gardens are rebuilt elsewhere.