VSL visits The Chelsea Flower Show with RHH

Friday 24 September 2021

Welcoming the start of autumn, Venue Search London were invited by the Royal Horticultural Halls to an evening preview of the September Chelsea Flower Show, located within the stunning grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Check out our highlights of this very special evening...

The world’s greatest flower show is being held for the first time ever in September, with the usual cutting-edge garden design, fabulous floral displays, delicious food and (simply the best) shopping! With the exciting return to live events, The Chelsea Flower Show was re-imagined for the autumnal season (usually held in May) and what a special event it was. 

Our team were lucky enough to attend on the opening day, thanks to our contacts at the awe inspiring Royal Horticultural Halls venue. We made our way to the Champagne and Seafood Restaurant and Terrace and were showered with Fortnum & Mason Champagne and nibbles (not to mention a gorgeous goody bag), all served amongst the carefully curated gardens and show pieces within the grounds. 

We were lucky enough to enjoy a private tour of the grounds at night, hearing about each show garden, their creators and the fascinating stories and messages behind them. 

So here is Venue Search London's definitive guide on what to see and experience at the Chelsea Flower Show:

Show Gardens (of course!)

Some of the very best garden designers gather to showcase their cutting-edge designs and ideas, brought to life for the first time with autumn inspiration, colour and innovation.

Chelsea Pavilion

The Great Pavilion is awash with colour and scent to delight the senses. Some of the world’s finest growers and nurseries have returned to the event alongside several first-time exhibitors.

House Plant Studios

Slightly more accessible (and affordable) for those living the City life, the growing popularity of indoor gardening is reflected in the House Plant Studios. You can soak up inspiration on how to green up your home, regardless of space or natural light.

The Discovery Zone

The Discovery Zone brings you the latest exciting innovations and research from the world of horticulture where you can roam and explore interactive displays and educational exhibits.

Italianate Market

At the heart of the Great Pavilion an Italian-style piazza surrounds the Monument with huge olive trees, cypress and characterful handmade terracotta pots adding to the Mediterranean flavour. The setting has been created by olive tree grower and supplier, Villaggio Verde, and provides the perfect backdrop for specialist growers of rare and unusual autumnal produce who would not usually attend RHS Chelsea.

Chelsea History Festival 

The Chelsea Flower Show, being held in September for the first time, means it coincides with the Chelsea History Festival, held at three major heritage sites along the Royal Hospital Road, including the Royal Hospital Chelsea. You can hear the Chelsea Pensioners reflect on their involvement in the Korean War, take a tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanical garden, or join Jonathan Dimbleby and Andrew Roberts as they discuss Operation Barbarossa.

Many have already asked whether RSH Chelsea will be be making the September event a permanent feature and, sadly, this is going to be a once in a lifetime event. The large scale event will be returning to the grounds in May and will remain an annual event only. 

For more information on any of the historic venues located within Chelsea (think The Royal Hospital, Chelsea Physic Garden, Bluebird, The Ivy Chelsea Garden and The Chelsea Harbour Hotel to name a few), send us an email to hello@venuesearchlondon.com or give us a call on 0207 870 9305. You can also complete our short enquiry form here