Trivia straight from London about the Chelsea Flower Show 2018
London, May, on a strangely sunny day, I had the pleasure of visiting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 and, like a child seeing an amusement park for the first time, I found it all very exciting.
The first thing that definitely struck me was the location that hosts and perfectly frames this enormous exhibition: the Royal Hospital. The exhibition is a delightful display of flowers, plants, gardens, furniture, and accessories that express the entire world of horticultural excellence, visited by thousands of passionate and curious people.
It's difficult for me to identify the real novelties of 2018 (having never visited this show) but after doing some research I discovered that among the various exhibitors some were at their first experience such as: Wack's wicked plants (www.wackswickedplants.co.uk), a company that offers carnivorous plants, Ottershaw Cacti (www.ottershawcacti.com), succulent and orchid garden specialists (www.orchideengarten.de) orchid experts.
This year's main message was to highlight the importance and power of plants in improving health and well-being, and how we can contribute and make a difference by planting plants to control climate change, flooding, and pollution.
Interesting in this regard is the section called “discovery,” with exhibitors called upon to further reflect on the importance of plants.
In this section I also found Ikea which showed a workplace full of greenery and plants, underlining how these can improve productivity, simply by connecting with nature (#plantswork).
I have been inspired by many wonderful flowers, I have immortalized hundreds of flowers and plants with my smartphone but one among all has really moved me: the dahlia with its spectacular varieties (www.nationaldahliacollection.co.uk).
Inspiration is everywhere and of every kind: among my favorite exhibitors is Tom Raffield, a designer who creates furniture and accessories using natural materials and artisanal wood bending techniques. It's impossible not to fall in love with his philosophy, his poetic lamps, and his garden benches that blend so naturally with the surrounding nature.
The theme that ran throughout the entire show (both for the florist competition and for the schools and young flower designers) was spring weddings, inspired by Harry and Meghan's recent royal wedding. The thrones, made of flowers and plants, the floral arches, and the romantic arrangements were unique.
I'm definitely taking home a wonderful, inspiring experience, with so many ideas for enhancing spaces with greenery, both to design and enjoy. Rather than the must-haves, I'd like to share what has stayed with me: the spontaneity, in perfect natural style, of the displays, the compositions, and the gardens; the artisanal world on display in a stunning garden with various workshops; sustainability as a key to the physical and mental well-being of people, but above all, of nature. And finally, the wonderful greenhouses/verandas, once just shelters for plants and tools, now places to work, entertain, and relax in perfect harmony with nature.
I see this kind of show in Italy too, especially in a city like Milan, which is increasingly international and attentive to various global trends.
It could be an Orticola (https://www.orticola.org/orticola/), which is increasingly in dialogue with the city, or the furniture show which in recent years has presented the importance of green spaces in the workplace and in homes as a trend: both events are events that in some way embrace the world of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Flower Show Week becomes an opportunity for London to show off its beauty even more. The city becomes a hub for events and displays related to the world of flowers and gardening. The Chelsea neighborhood is spectacular, its luxurious shops displaying window displays where the mastery of flower designers is truly magnificent. (The website www.chelseainbloom.co.uk shows everything that revolves around this performance).
My best advice for the RHS Flower Show is to definitely buy tickets well in advance; it's certainly not cheap, but it's definitely worth it (£82 for all-day entry).
The whole day is definitely worth considering: there are many exhibitors and the place is very pleasant for browsing, shopping and relaxing.
If, like me, you have a great passion for floral arrangements, I also recommend treating yourself to half a day in the beautiful streets of Chelsea where the shop windows are works of art and the well-kept gardens perfectly demonstrate the love the English have for green spaces.
“Thanks to Silvia Rubino, our special correspondent!” SDF
