What to expect from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021…
The 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which would have taken place between 18 May and 23 May, has now been moved to run from 21 September to 26 September due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The world’s greatest flower show will be held for the first time ever in September with the usual cutting-edge garden designs, fabulous floral displays and simply the best garden and horticultural inspired shopping. This is the first time in its 108 year history RHS Chelsea will run over the latter half of September rather than May.
This year, following the pandemic, sees the key theme for the show reflect on the positive impact that plants have on our health. Gardening has seen a huge increase in popularity over the last 18 months with perennial BBC television favourite ‘Gardeners World’ seeing a huge increase in its viewing numbers. During the first lockdown in March 2020 viewing figures increased to 1.8 million, the highest in a decade. By June 2020 the figure had soared to 3.8 million. It has aired for coming up on 54 seasons, having premiered way back in 1968.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is considered the world's most prestigious horticultural event. It is always packed full of inspiration, new designs, beautiful plants and the odd celebrity spotted! In light of the increased enthusiasm for gardening, this year’s show will be more popular than ever but will take on a different look; much more Autumnal than Spring. New categories being introduced are Sanctuary Gardens, Balcony gardens and Container Gardens.
Late summer and early autumn are still so full of colour in our gardens; and traditionally a time for Harvest. This year seasonal highlights include the Italiante market in the Great Pavillion showcasing olive trees and rare and unusual autumnal produce not normally found at RHS Chelsea. House Plant Studios will offer inspiration for dressing your house with houseplants which are seeing a huge surge in popularity.
The exhibitors are bound to face unique challenges with the change in the seasons. After all Spring is synonymous with fresh new growth; with plants growing bigger and stronger each day. By Autumn many plants are beginning to die back which means there will be a different variety of plants on offer. Some highlights will surely include Echinaceas, Heleniums, Salvias, Asters and Dahlias; all manner of grasses as well as fruit and vegetables. Exciting times for anyone with green fingers!
Click to view the RHS Chelsea Flower Show website https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show
Published: September 2021
