Every year, for five days during May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea are transformed into a plant paradise with thousands of glorious blooms, a selection of spectacular show gardens and the finest examples of horticultural excellence in the world.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the catwalk of the gardening world; it sets the latest trends, attracts worldwide media attention and, as plant breeders’ favourite place to unveil new plants, provides the first glimpses of the newest horticultural specimens.

The annual event acts as a showcase for the world’s most talented garden designers and show gardens at Chelsea are always special. Top designers from around the world apply to create gardens at the show and only the very best designs are selected.

The smaller gardens are split into three different categories - the stylish and bold chic gardens, courtyard gardens, which are for rural or semi-rural settings and city gardens, for urban spaces.

The jewel in the crown is the Great Pavilion where more than 100 nurseries and growers exhibit perfect displays featuring thousands of plants. The exhibitors prepare for the show for months in advance, nurturing and preening plants, moving them from hot to cold temperatures and even wrapping blooms in cotton wool, to make sure they are at their very best for the world famous event.

On top of all this, visitors can pick up a wide range of gardening accessories, and many new gardening products make their debut at the show. For budding floral arrangers demonstrations take place within the Floristry Marquee.

Those wishing to learn and discover some of the latest scientific developments in horticulture must see the Lifelong Learning exhibits within the Great Pavilion.

(excerpted from the RHS website)

(excerpted from the RHS website)