The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) exhibitions have grown considerably since one of their members reportedly first brought a potato to one of their early meetings in 1805!
The seed of the society’s Chelsea Flower Show was sown at a small fête at its Chiswick garden in 1827 and has since bloomed into one of the world's most prestigious and well-known horticultural events, despite various challenges, including changing venues and unpredictable weather.
The first Great Spring Show was held at the Society’s new garden in Kensington in May 1862, staged alongside the Great Exhibition on the site of the present Natural History and Science Museums. Later occupying the Inner Temple Gardens on London’s Embankment, the show finally found its permanent home at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea in 1913. The first show was a great success, showcasing the best of gardening and establishing Chelsea as the ideal venue for the premier flower show.
The show today
The centrepiece of the modern shows is the floral marquee, which replaced smaller tents in 1951. The marquee - considered the world's largest tent at the time - eventually gave way to the Great Pavilion in 2000, a vast space that covers 2.9 acres. Planning and preparation for Chelsea is a significant undertaking, with show gardens taking three weeks to set up.
At 4pm on the final day, a bell prompts exhibitors to sell their remaining plants to eager gardeners in a great plant sell-off and once the show concludes, everything must be dismantled within five days. Chelsea's popularity has led to challenges with overcrowding, prompting the RHS to limit daily tickets and introduce admission fees for members. The event has also garnered significant media coverage, with the BBC broadcasting the show since 1958.
The royal connection
The Chelsea Flower Show has long received the support of the royal family. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a patron since 1952 and a regular visitor. This year will feature a special garden in tribute commemorating her life and marking King Charles III’s Coronation.
The future
In recent years, the RHS has focused on sustainability and waste reduction. Many show gardens are designed with a second, permanent home in mind, and materials from the event are repurposed or recycled. This year’s show runs from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th May 2023 and promises to continue to captivate visitors with its magnificent displays and enchanting atmosphere.
Flower power on a plate
So, isn’t it about time that your car blossomed with a great number plate? Whether you are an amateur or professional horticulturist, we have the registration which says it all, just for you.
Here are examples:
Find your gardening-themed number plate
You might like to dig a little deeper with any other word that describes your hobby, interest, or profession with our general search and see what comes up.
