Chelsea Flower Show 2014

[DaveM]

We were also entertained by a steel band and dancing from Grenada, along with their display which included locally grown spices.

The "tropical" theme was continued by the stunning display of orchids from Thailand.

I've always enjoyed the bright colours of Bougainvillias ever since a spell living in suitable climes - here from Westdale Nurseries.

[DaveM]

Others that took my eye

Rickards Ferns - distinctly reminiscent of times geologically past.....

stunning Rebutias

colourful heucheras etc

[DaveM]

Ian showed one of the displays of carnivorous plants here's the other, which included sundews.

[DaveM]

There were a couple of displays from South Africa: Cape Town (first image) and Kirstenbosch Botanics. Wonderful landscape effects created in these displays, though one could say that the monster skeleton is anatomically incorrect.....

[DaveM]

Now a few from outside, though the gardens in general don't interest me in quite the same way somehow.

Plant sculptures

M & G garden

[DaveM]

In celebrating the Britain in Bloom competition the RHS commissioned Alan Titchmarsh to design a garden, themed 'From the moors to the sea'.

Two views of the garden and indeed the maestro was on hand to explain all..... I particularly like the planting on the shore, but the blocks of rock leave something to desire!

[DaveM]

Finally, some members of the Joint Rock Committee discussing plants on the Kevock stand. From left Martin Sheader, Ian Bainbridge, Chris Grey-Wilson, Robert Rolfe, Peter Semple, Ian Christie (just visible behind), Joy Bishop, Carol Bainbridge, Michael Pitcher (RHS, Committee Secretary), Tony Hall and Bill Baker with his back to camera.
What they had been looking at:

Primula ambita - probably the only plant in cultivation and probably has never previously been cultivated. It is in the same section as Primula obconica. David Rankin explained that seed was collected recently and this is the only seedling to grow to flowering. The committee saw this as it started to flower at the Glasgow SRGC show recently and here it is much further on. It was awarded a Botanical Certificate.

Interesting, but probably not as exciting as this Trillium flexipes hybrid......

[Tim Ingram]

Bowled over by the Kevock display and Martin Rickard's ferns (which always gives a wonderful green oasis amongst everything else). Withdrawal symptoms growing! Next year must visit Chelsea.

[mark smyth]

Did anyone record or note the names of three roses featured on ?Monday. Carol Klein talked about them. One was Frilly Cuffs and the one I wanted was a white repeat rambler

[ian mcdonald]

At £58 entrance fee I could order £50 worth of plants and have them delivered.

[mark smyth]

£58 in to Chelsea!!

[David Nicholson]

Wow. I just wouldn't be prepared to pay that.

[Maggi Young]

I read somewhere today that the tickets were £68 - which made me choke on my cuppa -
perhaps £58 is for RHS members?

edit : £68 was for an "all-day" ticket on Tuesday 20th - I didn't imagine it. 

 The £58 all day tickets for the other days are for non-members.

[ichristie]

Well everyone the £58 is just the beginning add the cost of getting to the show then lunch  a wee sip of champers or similar then a bite to eat on the way home, for me every penny spent was very worth while what are we living for go and see what is on show spread the word about plants and gardening they are cheap to other extravagances (which I also enjoy) perhaps more than once a year as well, cheers Ian the Christie kind

[Carol Shaw]

She's sitting on the plants!!!!

What do you expect from Carol Klein and why is she wearing a pinny