Several friends have asked “What did you think of Chelsea this year Sal ?” My answer “pretty damn perfect really, the gardens were sublime, perfection in planting was a regular occurence”.
Show gardens possessed a definite air of greenness, and I am not just talking colour. This year Chelsea gave more than a nod to sustainability and its importance within the horticultural industry. It was at the very core of many of the design concepts, planting and construction details, and it made for dynamic and autonomous gardens.
Plants looked like they had spent time time settling in to their designated spaces and were growing away in a happy and healthy manner. When in reality they have had no more than a fortnight. It was refreshing to find Chelsea so full of nectar rich plants, flowering in their correct season, or waiting in tight bud to flower which gave gravitas to the natural feel of many of the gardens.
Buttercups, Ragged Robin, Plantain,Flag Iris, Umbellifers, Aquilegas and Valarian looked fabulous in the glorious sunshine.
Exquisite planting combinations constantly stopped me in my tracks.
The sound of water was joyous.
Timber made for stunning perimeters.
This year my sister Lou and I were joined by our gorgeous globe trotting Australian cousins Jackie and Helen. There was no option we just had to sit down to discuss plants over a late afternoon Pimms and lemonade.
It truly was a fantastic Chelsea. The only way to improve on this year, is to visit for at least two consecutive days next year. There really is just too much to see and photograph in one day.
Sally Wicks 