It’s not just the world’s most famous flower show that draws visitors to this particular part of London. Over the years, Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom have grown and developed into the capital’s largest free flower festival. Even if you don’t get tickets for the RHS Chelsea Show itself, it’s worth the visit simply to wander around the leafy streets and marvel at the ingenuity of the displays. And perhaps take in a coffee, or something stronger, as you go!
This year’s themes were Floral Feasts for Chelsea and Floral Fun and Games for Belgravia, and as usual what was produced was fun, imaginative and at times, simply jaw dropping. Well done to all the florists who put such hard work and technical know-how to good use. Judged to RHS standards, here are some of our favourites:
Chelsea in Bloom
Gold for Cartier
It’s hard to put into words the total lusciousness of Cartier’s storefront. Using peonies, roses and plenty of verdant greenery.
Gold for Poetry
Look out for the urban fox rifling through the rubbish.
Gold for Cosmetics a la Carte
Possibly the best floral peaches ever. A display far too good to eat.
Florist: Moonflower Cobham
Gold for …At Sloane
Showing just what can be done with carnations when in the right hands.
Florist: Wild at Heart.
Silver-Gilt for Trinny London
Livening up the King’s Road with lemons.
Florist: Ricky Paul Flowers
Silver-Gilt for Granado
A colourful, vibrant floral Carmen Miranda.
Silver-Gilt for Sticks’n’Sushi
Very inventive use of foliage and flowers, and an interesting one to install to.
Silver-Gilt for Kiki McDonough
Fun fair treats in an interactive display.
Florist: Philip John Corps
Silver-gilt for Beaverbrook Townhouse
A duo of bumble bees feasting on pollen.
Florist: Rob Van Helden
Silver for Massimo Dutti
Friends gather around a table for al fresco fun and food.
Silver for Amaffi
A voluptuous display, inspired by a Greek God’s Flower Feast.
Florist: Neill Strain
Silver for Peter Jones
Recreating a retro John Lewis and showcasing the new David Austin Rose ‘Emma Bridgewater’.
Florist: Sarah Feather
Silver for Les Nereides
Almost good enough to eat, a sophisticated strawberry display.
Florist: Ricky Paul Flowers.
Belgravia in Bloom
Gold and Best Overall Winner Bayley & Sage
Giant floral playing cards taking centre stage.
Most Innovative Papouelli
A flowery children’s slide and adorable Wendy house.
Highly Commended Neill Strain
A jungle theme inspired by Jumanji
Highly Commended Me+Em
Hitting the spot with an archery board.
Highly Commended Mosimanns
A clever use of limes and lemons to make snakes and ladders come alive.
Highly Commended Lime Tree Hotel
Anyone for tennis?
Highly Commended SMUK
Floral noughts and crosses in an interactive display.
Large Scale Floral Displays
Strategically placed along the flowery routes around Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom are stand-alone central displays that utterly capture the essence of the festival and the themes. These, more than anything, show off the incredible skill of the florists who have created them and the public just love them.
In Chelsea
Winnie the Pooh Picnic
A total crowd puller – who can resist Winnie and all his friends?
Florist: RickyPaul Flowers.
Lady and the Tramp
Recreating that touching spaghetti eating moment.
Candy Floss
Greeting visitors in Pavilion Road.
Florist: Moyses Stevens
Sloane Square
The beating heart of Chelsea in Bloom which never disappoints. This year on the theme of Floral Feasts, what else could it be but the Very Hungry Caterpillar?
While in Belgravia…
Cleverly constructed by Moyses Stevens
A Garden of Suites
Oversized house of cards on Elizabeth Street.
Checkmate
Still life on Eccleston Street.
Rubik’s Cube – A Floral Twist
Fun and games in Eccleston Yards.
On Motcomb Street, courtesy of Neill Strain Floral Couture
Floral Olympiad
With figures woven from willow by Emma Stothard.
Botanical Boardgame
Watch out for the snake!
Judith Blacklock Flower School
Recycling
A colourful cycling family off to explore the sights.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
