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Flower show to set gardening trends

By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 19.05.08

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Blooming lovely: Chelsea Flower Show

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Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital, Chelsea
May 20 – 24
£13 – £46
www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the biggest dates in the gardening calendar. It sets the trends for the latest outdoor products as well as giving admirers something beautiful to look at.

More than 600 exhibitors will be at the event which takes place next month; featuring 50 gardens and 100 floral exhibitors in the Great Pavillion.

International exhibitors come from as far away as Sweden, Barbados, Sri Lanka, France and Trinidad & Tobago. Experienced growers like Nottcutts, Kelways and McBean's Orchids have appeared at the show since its early days.

The Continuous Learning area within the Great Pavilion gives visitors an insight into the gardens of the future. From the use of biofuels to adapting flower gardens, these scientific and educational shows tackle the theme of gardening with climate change.

The Forum will host a series of daily talks from some of the UK's most prominent gardening experts. There is also the opportunity to ask questions. It is worth bearing in mind though that there are only 150 free tickets available for each session. They will be allocated on a first come first served basis at the talks tent.

For those specifically interested in floristry, The Floral Design marquee offers hints and tips on floral arrangement. Displays will see designs by top florists who have teamed up with fashion houses and designers. Jane Packer will be creating a floristry feature for handbag designer Susannah Hunter; Paula Pryke will set up a display for Liberty's of London; and Fiona Barnett for fashion designer Ben de Lisi. In addition, amateur florists will be given the chance showcase their talent.

Tickets are available on www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea or call 0870 906 3781 (non members) / 0870 906 3780 (members)