Regarded as the world’s most prestigious flower event, the Chelsea Flower Show is a vibrant celebration of all things horticulture. Steeped in history and featuring an array of stunning displays, this annual event draws in avid gardeners, professional landscapers, and flower enthusiasts from around the globe.

Throughout this article, we’ll give you a  virtual guide through the wonders of the Chelsea Flower Show, and explain why choosing to visit on a guided Chelsea Flower Show tour is the best option.

The Chelsea Flower Show’s History

In the spring of 1862, a new horticultural event began: The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Great Spring Show, an event that would later become the Chelsea Flower Show. The show was initially held in the Royal Borough of Kensington, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.

However, it wasn’t long before the event outgrew its original confines, and the show was relocated to the more spacious grounds of the Chelsea Hospital. This move proved popular, both increasing the number of attendees and anchoring the Show’s place as a mainstay in horticultural culture. 

Renowned for its ability to captivate and inspire, the show has become a driver of horticultural innovation. As the years went on, the Chelsea Flower Show quickly blossomed into an event that drew attention across the globe, as well as a must-visit for all types of flower enthusiasts.

The Chelsea Flower Show: Moving Forward

So, what is it that makes this event so special? Beyond the stunning array of curated displays, it’s also a platform for the world’s most skilled garden designers and plant cultivators. This is their chance to showcase creativity and give onlookers a unique insight into the future of gardening. 

The show’s evolution and popularity isn’t only built off stunning visual displays. For many years, the show’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices has urged many gardeners and landscapers to reassess their environmental impact and choose methods which are kinder to our planet. Similarly, the Chelsea Flower Show’s emphasis on innovative garden designs has encouraged landscaping companies to broaden their offerings.

As the event continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring beauty of nature and the human capacity for creativity. Through its grand displays and innovative trends, the show continues to inspire and delight, making it an essential experience for anyone with a green thumb or an appreciation for nature’s beauty.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the main attractions you can expect to enjoy at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The Floral Displays

Proudly front and centre, the floral displays at Chelsea are the main draw for most visitors. These spellbinding exhibits are split into two categories: ‘Floral Creations’ and ‘Creative Spaces’. 

The ‘Floral Creations’ section is a newly introduced category. Florists will create a smaller arrangement on a specific theme, which changes yearly. The theme for 2024 is ‘Colour’, which you may think is a simple one. But a colourful arrangement can quickly become overwhelming or discordant without a lot of consideration and care. If this is an issue you’re interested in seeing tackled, visiting in 2024 is a great idea!

The ‘Creative Spaces’ section, on the other hand, is where imagination meets reality. This category is dedicated to showcasing innovative, conceptual designs that push the boundaries of traditional horticulture. It’s a platform where the avant-garde ideas of the industry’s leading minds are brought to life, resulting in breathtaking displays that are as thought-provoking as they are beautiful.

Overall, many visitors agree that their time in the Great Pavilion among the floral displays is one of the highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show. If you’d like to learn more about each of the planned displays for 2024, click here.

The Gardens

The Chelsea Flower Show offers a diverse array of garden displays that cater to all types of horticulture enthusiasts. From compact Balcony and Container Gardens to expansive Sanctuary Gardens and Show Gardens, the variety is truly remarkable. As you wander through these gardens, you’ll witness the innovative designs of international horticulture leaders that redefine the boundaries of traditional gardening.

Balcony and Container Gardens are a testament to the creativity of their designers. They demonstrate how even the smallest spaces can be transformed into lush, green havens. These displays might inspire you to revamp your own small outdoor space or indoor area. They also provide valuable insights into which plants thrive in confined spaces, and how to arrange them for optimal growth and aesthetics.

On the other hand, the expansive Sanctuary Gardens and Show Gardens are a sight to behold. These larger displays represent the pinnacle of horticulture design, showcasing the latest trends and innovative techniques. International horticulture leaders bring their best to these gardens, creating breathtaking landscapes that push the limits of traditional gardening. These gardens often incorporate new plant varieties and groundbreaking design elements, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of horticulture.

Flood-resilient gardens, imagined Venetian balconies, a garden for children to play and learn and a tiny sanctuary from busy city life are all gardens you can expect to find in the 2024 collection. Learn more about the designs, designers and the plants they’ve chosen here.

Houseplant Studios

Verdant oases amid the hustle and bustle of the Chelsea Flower Show, the Houseplant Studios are a sanctuary for those who love indoor horticulture. 

In line with the show’s commitment to celebrate horticulture in all its forms, the Houseplant Studios curate a broad spectrum of indoor plants, each with their own individual charm. From the delicate lace-patterned leaves of the rare Maranta leuconeura, to the robust, colourful foliage of exotic succulents like the Echeveria ‘Neon Breakers’, there’s a plant to captivate every visitor.

But what sets the Houseplant Studios apart from other exhibits? It’s not just about the visual feast they offer to visitors. It’s also about providing them with in-depth knowledge about each plant’s unique characteristics, growth habits, and specific care requirements. In short, they’re interactive learning experiences that encourage visitors to explore the world of indoor gardening in a more meaningful way.

With 8 different Houseplant Studios around the Show, you’re guaranteed to learn some tips and tricks and find a new houseplant or two to add to your collection back home!

The Exhibitors

The Chelsea Flower Show, with its stunning floral displays and innovative garden designs, is a spectacle in itself. But the cherry on top is the huge array of exhibitors. These exhibitors offer a diverse range of displays and services that cater to everyone’s taste.

From garden decor that breathes new life into your backyard to landscaping services that promise to transform your outdoor space, the exhibitors all bring something unique and exciting to the table. Whether you’re a novice gardener looking for expert advice, or a seasoned horticulturist in search of new tools, you’ll find all your needs met here.

The exhibitors don’t just cater to gardening enthusiasts. For lovers of botanical-inspired aesthetics, there’s also a great range of jewellery, clothing, and fragrances that echo the beauty of nature. With their unique designs and organic materials, these products make for perfect souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home.

A quick tip: Due to Australian biosecurity regulations, you won’t be able to bring back any seeds or plants. Technically, it is possible to import some species, but the regulations, certifications and testing mean that it would be incredibly time-consuming and expensive. 

Thankfully, there are many exhibitors selling items that you can definitely bring back from your travels. You’ll also be returning with all the knowledge and memories you’ve gained–a priceless treasure indeed!

While the vast array of products and services at the Chelsea Flower Show is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. It’s a good idea to make a list of what you’re looking for before you visit. This strategy will help you navigate the exhibitors’ stands more efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss out on any gems. For a full list of exhibitors, click here.

Ross Garden Tours: A Unique Chelsea Flower Show Tour

So you’ve explored some of the offerings available at the Chelsea Flower Show, and now you’re itching to pack your bags and hop on a flight. But wait! Have you considered the benefits of choosing a tour over an individual visit?

Ross Garden Tours has been providing worldwide garden-focused tours for over 40 years, and our Chelsea Flower Show and Gardens of England Tour is regarded as one of the best. 

One of the key differences between us and other tour operators is that we have access to the opening day of the Chelsea Flower Show, a day when only RHS members can enter. This means less visitors and more space to explore everything the Chelsea Flower Show has to offer. You’ll be able to see the gardens and floral arrangements at their absolute best!

The Chelsea Flower Show is the culmination of our 12 day tour of prestigious gardens across England, meaning you’ll have already gained an insight into the history of horticulture in England and be prepared to dive right in. To learn more about the gardens we visit, read our blog here.

We also focus on providing a comfortable and luxurious experience, with high-quality accommodation, climate-controlled motor coaches and delicious restaurants organised for us. We handle everything for you, meaning you’re free to relax and learn from our knowledgeable tour guides and soak in the beautifully sculpted gardens.

So if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience some of England’s most famous gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show, Ross Garden Tours is your trusted partner. Our 2024 trip is currently fully booked, but you can join the waitlist, or contact us to be notified when the 2025 bookings become available.

We look forward to welcoming you and guiding you around the Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most famous horticultural events in the world.