Chelsea

merlotgran
So that's the answer which I sort of guessed would be the reason. It's not the same without Joe.

I don't think Monty was happy working with Rachel and Arit as he seemed more grumpy and was quite snappy with Rachel.

Overall I think it wasn't as good as previous years.

A few years ago we visited a Scottish garden where Rachel had recently been filming. The owner told us she didn't know anything about gardening

If I’d been Rachel, I wouldn’t have been happy working with Monty Don. Whenever it was her cue to speak, he would wade in and talk over her. Bloody rude. Seems his manners are as poor as his tailoring.

J52

I last went the year before Covid. I did find it very crowded and it was hard to see any of the gardens. I prefer Hampton Court and Tatton Park flower shows, less crowded.

I’ve been several times, but not recently. So much will depend on the weather! Last time (I had free tickets) I took a colleague who needed a treat and had never been. The weather was miserable, chilly with rain, and we couldn’t find anywhere properly undercover to have lunch! Not without a 40 minute wait! The marquees were of course absolutely heaving.

TBH if I’d paid for the tickets I’d have been seriously browned off. We left early.
Next day of course, Sod’s Law ensured that the weather was fine!

I also prefer Hampton Court. Much the same things to see, usually at least warmer, and far more space. Chelsea can feel extremely crowded.

Greyduster

If I’d been Rachel, I wouldn’t have been happy working with Monty Don. Whenever it was her cue to speak, he would wade in and talk over her. Bloody rude. Seems his manners are as poor as his tailoring.

I noticed that as well and gave Rachel full marks for keeping her cool.

Telling Arit he never entertains in his own garden because it’s only for family so wouldn’t be inviting her made him sound like a curmudgeonly old grump.

eddiecat78

A few years ago we visited a Scottish garden where Rachel had recently been filming. The owner told us she didn't know anything about gardening

Rachel studied at The English Gardening School - the same school as Joe Swift, Cleve West and Jo Thompson. She lectures at well respected botanic gardens, has an RHS Chelsea silver medal, has written multiple books on horticulture. She's appeared regularly on Gardener's World for over 25 years, has created her own beautiful garden and is held in high esteem by everyone from Carol Klein to Adam Frost.

I wonder who the owner of the garden was and what his qualifications are?

Churchview

eddiecat78

A few years ago we visited a Scottish garden where Rachel had recently been filming. The owner told us she didn't know anything about gardening

Rachel studied at The English Gardening School - the same school as Joe Swift, Cleve West and Jo Thompson. She lectures at well respected botanic gardens, has an RHS Chelsea silver medal, has written multiple books on horticulture. She's appeared regularly on Gardener's World for over 25 years, has created her own beautiful garden and is held in high esteem by everyone from Carol Klein to Adam Frost.

I wonder who the owner of the garden was and what his qualifications are?

Yes, Rachel is well-respected in the horticultural world.

I was surprised at some of Monty's comments.

For anyone thinking of going to the CFS, (and new to it), 1) be prepared to call for medical help when you see the prices!, and 2) look carefully at the BBC coverage before you go.

Those massive crowds are real, and yes the visit is a test of stamina. My friend used to go, took her dad, as they were both gardening fans, but it was organised to the nth degree, they were there as the gates opened, gave them some chance of getting round and seeing what they wanted before the crowds fill it up and you start getting ushered past things after a few seconds!