2009 Chelsea Garden Show

Every year in Chelsea, London, the Royal Horticultural Society sponsers a spectacular flower show - you know how those Brits like their flowers! The first day of "viewing" is reserved for the royal family, and for the next three days the show is open to the public, every glorious garden. Famous gardeners from around the world create miniature masterpieces complete with fencing, fountains, topiary - all sprung up overnight. I had the delight of visiting the show a few years ago, and it was an incredible vision. Jamaican gardeners had created 10 foot people from foliage (think Rose Parade), thousands of orchids scented silk tents, and every inventive gardening gadget under the sun was on display (and for sale. Bad for the old credit card). This year the show is taking place May 19 - 23; if you're going to be in town, make sure you get a ticket. You'll be glad you did.

Here's a sneak preview of plans for some of the gardens coming out this year.

A few favorites from the 2008 show.

And if you're really into gardening, check out this blog by some of the gardeners working on the event - you'll get a view into how they manage to pull off a "termporary" garden once a year, as well as some of the hazards they face - from cows eating the flowers to thunderstorms.
All images: www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea.