When I got off the tube at Sloane Square to go to the flower show I heard someone say to follow the crowds. However it was around 8:00 am and it looked like a lot of the crowd was going to work. Finally I decided to follow a group of people wearing straw hats and sunglasses. This was a good decision because after a few minutes I saw signs for the Chelsea Flower Show. I got there early enough that I could walk right up to the exhibit gardens without having to wait behind people to see anything. These were the first flowers I saw.
Since lavender is a favorite of mine I enjoyed seeing this pretty arrangement. These were some of the gardens around the corner:
I couldn’t believe that I’d seen all these exhibits within my first fifteen minutes of being there! But what followed was both beautiful and solemn. I had heard about the field of poppies, but seeing it was an unforgettable experience. Here is an explanation as well as some pictures.
I lingered at this exhibit and after a while I could see all the individual flowers and think about the work that had gone into this display. There were also people carrying examples of these handmade poppies to show us. Each one was unique yet they blended together so well. I returned to this exhibit several times during the day but I never got as good a view as I did early in the morning.
I wanted the time to go slowly while I was there – I didn’t want the day to end! I have many more stories and pictures from that wonderful day.
Those poppies are amazing!
The grounds were covered with poppies – it was really beautiful!
I haven’t seen so many poppies in one place.
I hadn’t either – the color was so vivid!
What a labour of love those poppies are. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos, Meg. :)
Thank you – it was an unforgettable sight… :)
Very special.
It was truly amazing!
Quite a few years since I visited Chelsea, and looking forward to seeing more of your images, Meg
Thanks Sue – being at the flower show was a wonderful experience!
It certainly is a great experience – and rather than the big show gardens, I used to like the small artisan gardens
I liked the small gardens too – they were more tucked away and nice to discover… :)
Hope to see some photos
I’m going to sort through them for examples… :)
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So pretty all these flowers ! Thank’s for sharing :-)
Thank you! The flowers were so pretty and cheerful… :)
Amazing pictures. The poppies are incredible. Great you got there nice and early!!
Thanks Darlene! I’m so happy to have gotten there early and have these views all to myself… :)
I can feel your excitement, Meg! It must have been a wonderful day. I love the stories behind those poppies. They were being delivered right up to the opening. Fantastic, aren’t they? :)
The poppies were so beautiful Jo. When you looked at them closely you could see how unique each one was – that made the scene even more memorable!
So gorgeous! Are they the same poppies that were at the Tower and then Orkney?
They were stunning! I don’t think they’re the same – these poppies were handmade as opposed to being ceramic.
wow! the sea of red poppies is unbelievable! what a stunning sight! Meg, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and wonderful experience :)
Thank you Lola – it was a wonderful day and the flowers were so pretty!
Twenty years ago I never, ever thought I’d be interested in seeing gardens and flower shows but I am and I love your photos. What a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing Meg :-)
Thanks Sam! I’ve gotten more and more interested in gardens myself and now I am always looking for flowers and gardens when I travel… :)
Lovely photos, Meg. The poppies are magnificent!
Thanks Shirley – the poppies were truly amazing!
Very smart of you to get there before all the crowds…love your photos. The symbolism behind the field of poppies is something you can’t forget.
Thank you Karen! The field of poppies was one of the highlights of the show for me… :)
I’ve yet to make it there despite living in England, and must admit one of the reasons is the crowds. I hadn’t realised you could arrive so early, now that I know I might do it especially if they open this early on RHS members days too. Yup I’m a member of the RHS and still not gone!
It really made a difference to get there early! I think you’d enjoy seeing the show and all the gorgeous flowers – it’s definitely worth it… :)
So lovely. The red carpet of all those poppies is quite something!
Peta
It was truly amazing and something I’ll always remember… :)
The field of poppies looks so poignant. It’s more years than I care to remember since I’ve been to the Chelsea Flower Show. I was studying ‘A’ level botany and loved it. I promised I’d go back but over 30 years later I still haven’t! I’m marking it down in my diary for next year.
That sounds great! It will be fun for you to compare your visits – it’s simply a marvelous experience… :)