Amid rain and hailstones, the 102nd edition of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show kicked off this week on the grounds of London’s Royal Hospital, where it has taken place each spring (with the exception of a few years during World Wars I and II) since 1913. It is one of the largest and most prestigious event of its kind, where world-renowned garden designers present the future of horticulture, and new plants and products are all displayed to some 165,000 visitors.
The headline act at RHS Chelsea appears in the form of the 15 show gardens that line the main avenue. They are erected in just 19 days and dismantled over the course of five days after the event closes. This year, eyes were on the Laurent-Perrier garden and its celebrated designer Dan Pearson, who has worked with everyone from Apple design chief Jonathan Ive to Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield. His appearance at RHS Chelsea marked the end of a decade-long absence. The garden was inspired by the landscaping of Chatsworth House, and Pearson’s characteristically wild and wonderful planting helped secure him the Best in Show award.
Through May 23 at Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London; rhrg.uk
Click here to see 10 great garden designs at the Chelsea Flower Show.
