WORDS & IMAGES: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

Where do I start?

This Chelsea Flower Show is truly incredible, and if you ever get the chance to visit London at this time of year - TAKE IT! It is the most indulgent day for a flower and garden lover to wander and admire, smell the roses and dream of how you can take this inspiration back home to your garden.

When planning to visit the show, the best thing to do is to join the Royal Horticultural Society as a member, which includes many other flower and Garden openings throughout the year in the UK. The show's first two days are for RHS members, making it easier to get around because the crowds on the public days are unbelievable! It is well worth becoming a member just because you will have a little more space to admire the gardens, and also - TOP TIP! Ensure you get there early, as the afternoon is the busiest.

The food selection at the flower show is fantastic and so beautifully curated, but again you need to do this earlier in the day! Many restaurants do specialty dining at the Flower Show, but again you need to get in early as these sittings book out very quickly. I love how there are champagne bars and open bars everywhere, with everybody walking around sipping a drink, the ladies are dressed in beautiful floral dresses and gorgeous hats, and the men are all well-dressed too. So not only is there a lot of garden eye candy, people watching is fantastic!

I love how the community participates in the Flower Show, decorating their hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops. My favourite area of the show is where various retailers set up everything to do with the garden, including fabrics, tapestries, homewares, gumboots, gardening, gloves, etc., giving me mountains of inspiration for table settings, products, and so much more! And then, on leaving, you are greeted by the suburb of Chelsea adorned with flowers. London really comes alive, and I am so lucky to have experienced yet another fantastic flower show.