Chelsea Flower Show

Family members have told me it is always very crowded, though I suppose there must be certain times of the day when it is not. Please note that you must buy your tickets in advance and I would suggest that if you are really going to London in May, you should buy your tickets asap. Dates are May 19 to 23.

I recently bought tickets for the flower show. Do look over the website: www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea/ for ticket details. Although the show is scheduled for May 19-23, it is only open to Royal Horticultural Sociey members the first two days- then open to the public the 21st-23rd. Also- tickets MUST be pre-purchased. There are no tickets sold the days of the event. This will be our first visit so I can't comment on the crowds. The one item I noticed is that children under the age of 5 and babes in arms are not allowed- and no strollers.

Ok, time to brag here! My brother will be a judge at Chelsea this year. He has won two medals for garden design in previous years and has almost always had something on the go there for the last few years.

Anyway, from what he says it can be a very crowded but a lot of fun. It is regarded as the premier garden event of the year in the UK and coming from a nation of garden lovers that is quite something. If its hot it can be rough but there are plenty of tented area that provide shade and lots of places to get drinks/food etc.
Living in Canada I find that the UK has alot of different designs for everything from decking to planting that just put alot of our ideas on this side of the Atlantic to shame. But at the same time its a great way to pick up new ideas and bring them home to your garden.
It is a great event though and he takes my 78yr old mum every year who is passionate about gardening. Not sure if this is allowed but his website is www.andrewfishertomlin.com. You can see some of the articles he has written and his profile. He was head of the National Society of Garden Designers for a couple of years..Anyway, ifyou need more info maybe send me a private message and I can contact him via email for further info.
Cheers
Pete

I would suggest googling Royal Chelsea Flower Show 2009 as there will be a website for it.

I went to the Chelsea Flower show about 10 years ago on one of the evenings (perhaps 5-8?) that it was open to the public. There was a long queue to get into the show. Once I was in, it was crowded but manageable. I would arrive a little bit early. I went directly from work and didn't count on the queue so my viewing time was reduced. Also, you must buy your tickets in advance.

I enjoyed seeing the displays and I thought it was a good experience. There are places to buy food and drink. Lots of people drinking Pimms. I enjoy gardening, but had never been to a garden show before so have no basis of comparison.

There are certain days that are only open to members of the Royal Horticultural Society. Supposedly, it is less crowded on those days.

Thanks everyone for the response. The information is greatly appreciated. Very nice air fares and hotel rates might combine to make this too good to pass up. Right now in the angst stage; will keep you posted. Thank you again to all for the help!

Well, we've booked for 2 weeks to England. Great airfare and hopefully a good pound. Considering 6 days in London and then a week to train/car around (maybe)Kent. Would like to stay in one area more or less and gardens and stately homes are the main draw...any suggestions would be welcome.

My husband always needs a reason to go to England. One year it was The Chelsea Flower Show. Yes it was worth it, crowds and all. I'd definately do it again.