Chelsea

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Had a visit to Sandringham , much better than Chelsea by the look of this year's show.
Sandringham is more personal,beautiful garden displays, friendly people, not worried about who they might spot. Had a royal visit, very downbeat and friendly, did their walkabout, lovely day out.

Not having a garden myself I do love a trip to visit a wonderful one.

Skydancer

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.

Agree with this. Much too crowded. They should restrict numbers. Not being tall meant I could hardly see anything. Hampton Court is far better.

I’ve heard that Malvern is better too, so may do a coach trip next time there.

escaped

I went to RHS Rosemoor yesterday. Where's Monet when you need him?

The deep purple/crimson colours were everywhere. Seems to be the thing this year.

We visited there around this time of year last year, big disappointment I have to say as it was all just greenery and the only flowers were tubs of daffs and tulips.
If we were ever to visit again I would go at the end of June or in July to see flowers.

Ps Joe seems to be looking more like his father than ever 🙂

merlotgran

mol.im/a/14744699

Hope the link works but there have been complaints about Joe Swift being dropped this year.

Terribly politically correct, of course, but we're talking gardening here, not ratios, and we want Joe back.

mol.im/a/14744699

Hope the link works but there have been complaints about Joe Swift being dropped this year.

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.

Agree with this. Much too crowded. They should restrict numbers. Not being tall meant I could hardly see anything. Hampton Court is far better.

Well it's not your average garden centre selling your average plants! it's really expensive to have a stand there and everything is priced accordingly I suppose.

DD2 and her OH went on Wednesday afternoon, and loved it but was horrified at the prices of everything.

I used to have a retirement plan to make my sad lawn look nice. Didn’t happen and looks worse than ever and I’m embracing it. My grand dog has recently started to dig a hole, getting bigger every time she visits. She’s happy 🐾🐶😃

Caleo

Perennial ryegrass not mowed very short. Top seed when necessary. Digging dogs----buy small quantity of turf.
Dogs dislike gravel and will avoid it. as it hurts their paws. Natural grass is most hygienic ground cover for a dog garden, and more fun for dogs than sterile concrete Anyway, neat mowed lawns are not trendy any more.

Some dogs will eat it, too. I had to remove things like that when my current dog was a puppy. I think she’d happily run across gravel and not even notice she’d torn her pads to shreds!

Where’s Joe Swift this year, I like him. I do hope he’s well.

Dogs dislike gravel and will avoid it. as it hurts their paws

Will you please come and have a word with my Jack Russell? 😂

I have a gravel garden and Peggy delights in watching me walk around with a poo bag trying to spot her well camouflaged offerings!

Perennial ryegrass not mowed very short. Top seed when necessary. Digging dogs----buy small quantity of turf.
Dogs dislike gravel and will avoid it. as it hurts their paws. Natural grass is most hygienic ground cover for a dog garden, and more fun for dogs than sterile concrete Anyway, neat mowed lawns are not trendy any more.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-6evcjg-20250522-133816.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-85mym0-20250522-132733.jpg

I went to RHS Rosemoor yesterday. Where's Monet when you need him?

The deep purple/crimson colours were everywhere. Seems to be the thing this year.

I love watching Chelsea on the TV but I would love it if I could go there. Only thing is I would want to go when there were no crowds, it doesn’t look like much fun trying to push through. Anyway with tickets at nearly £140 and travel on top of that , TV seems the better option.