Chelsea Flower Show 2018: Alan Titchmarsh's dos and don'ts for first timers
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the famous annual floral exhibition, will be taking over the Royal Hospital in Chelsea from May 22 to 26.
With 10 show gardens, seven artisan gardens and eight 'space to grow' gardens, there is a lot to see over the course of one day.
Here, gardening veteran Alan Titchmarsh gives us his tips on making the most of your day out.
1. Boots are made for walking
Wear comfortable shoes. Yes; it’s nice to dress up for flower shows but if you are in agony you won’t enjoy the flowers and the gardens nearly as much.
2. Less is more
Avoid carrying a heavy bag around. If you carry a rucksack, be aware that when you turn around you can knock somebody over.
3. Take note
Take a small notebook or make notes on your phone. You might think you’ll remember details without one, but you won’t. Take notes of plants you like - but don't limit yourself. Sketch them, mind-map them, whatever will help you remember that flower.
4. Hats off to you
Check the weather – take a mac and a hat if rain is forecast, not an anti-social umbrella.
5. Quiet time
Take refreshment breaks at off‑peak times to avoid queuing.
6. Get ahead
Go to the loo when you see it, rather than waiting until you are desperate, by which time you will have forgotten where it is.
7. Chatterbox
Do talk to the exhibitors about their plants – they are passionate and love them almost as much as their husbands and wives. They will also be the world’s leading authorities in what they grow. Nowhere else will you find such a wealth of expertise in one spot.
8. No comparison
Don’t get depressed that your garden does not look as good as the show gardens. They are designed to look good at a particular moment, and yours will have much more interest within its confines than they do come the end of the following month.
9. Be prepared...
...And book early for next year!
