The Royal Horticultural Society was established in 1804, and began hosting 'floral fetes' in the 1820s. In 1913, it began an annual spring 'flower show' at the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. (The Royal Hospital also has its own history -- founded in 1682 by King Charles II, and built by Sir Christopher Wren, it was one of the first retirement homes specifically for veterans. The 'Chelsea pensioners' wear bright scarlet uniform when performing civic functions, or giving tours of the historic buildings.) The Queen has only missed one show in the past 60 years. (And no, I don't know why.)
The flower show only lasts four days, and brings together international garden designers, with 17 'show gardens' and 600 exhibitors. The show gardens are not in miniature, but full-size yards, and this year features a 'Monacco roof garden' complete with swimming pool! B&Q, the local DIY warehouse chain, has created what they call a "vertical allotment," a 30-foot high living wall of edible plants, including tomatoes, peppers, herbs, mulberry trees, and edible flowers. The wall is self-sustaining, using solar, heat and wind energy, plus waterbutts, to feed itself.
The show is only open to members for the first two days, and the public for the last two days. An award show recognizes Best Show Garden, Best Urban Garden, Best Courtyard Garden, and the 'People's Choice.' Keep in mind that although designers have been planning these gardens for a year (or longer), they have to plant months in advance, transport everything to the show, and get everything to flower at exactly the right time. Hampton Court Palace bills its flower show in July as "World's largest," but Chelsea is to the horticultural world what Crufts is to dog shows. You should be able to see a short video of this year's Best Show Garden here.
At noon on the final day, a bell indicates selling may begin, and a frenzy ensues as the public snap up everything they can, from rare flowers to new hybrids, furniture, sculpture, and the displays themselves. Very little is left to clean up afterwards.
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