Winter 2004 - Chelsea Flower Show
	During a few fleeting days in London’s spring, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) commences
	England’s landscape season with its annual premier event, The Chelsea Flower Show. For over
two centuries, the RHS has showcased its ability to further horticultural and landscape advances during this event. If you are passionate about
gardening or can appreciate landscape design details in various sizes, materials, and mediums, this is the place to be. I had the fortune to attend
the show during the RHSs’ bicentenary year, and was so enthralled with the landscape exhibitions that I joined the RHS. Being a member affords
me the opportunity to view the exhibits prior to general public viewing. This private viewing provides inspiration and brings the latest in international
landscape design and horticulture to Houston landscape design.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the Superbowl of landscape garden shows and actually draws Superbowl crowds! Every garden possesses unique
conceptual ideas that can be incorporated into an outdoor space. The exhibitors consisting of landscape designers from all over the world pull out
all budgetary stops in lieu of creativity for this 4 day (5 days in 2005) event. Each detail is fine-tuned to create an outdoor space that looks as
though it has been in existence for years. Whether viewing a small roof top garden or an outdoor full scale backyard space, all senses and emotions
are awakened by these spectacular master pieces.
Planning ahead is key to attending the Chelsea Flower Show. Since the show is in London, travel reservations should be made in advance. Tickets
to the show must also be purchased well in advance prior to the show since additional tickets will not be issued once the event sells out. I
recommend logging on to www.rhs.org.uk to inquire about purchasing tickets. It took one full day for me to view everything at a comfortable pace.
Since Houston has nonstop flights to London, you can make an extended weekend trip if you are strapped for time. Once you have seen the
Chelsea Flower Show in person, you will want to return year after year to view the latest in residential landscape garden design.