What to look out for at Chelsea Flower Show

Green fingered Brits looking for garden inspiration from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show are being told what to look out for.

The annual event takes place this week and expert Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk has pulled out the themes and plants amateur gardeners can take inspiration from.

This year’s show will be about sustainable gardens and gardens as a means of nurturing good health.

Planting is expected to include varieties to cope with the changing climate as well as utilising native varieties.

Chris is predicting the gardens will be packed with big, bold plants to showcase what you can achieve in a small space.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Sustainability is a big buzz word in gardening circles and expect this year’s show garden to reflect that and inspire amateur gardeners who are not really sure where to start.

“All the show gardens have been designed to be relocated once Chelsea is over so there’s a big reduction in the use of concrete, particularly cement based concrete.

“Expect to see lighter weight gardens and structures – this is where garden design is heading as designers look to cut carbon and create sustainable spaces.

“Linking nicely to that is the planting and creating schemes to cope with our changing climate. Drought tolerant varieties are likely to be popular including ornamental grasses, Lavender, Eryngiums and Agapanthus. These are all common plants in the UK so easy to get hold of and incorporate into planting in your garden.

“After some heavy rainfall we’ve had recently, visitors will also see plants able to cope with flooding with Cornus, Salix, Ferns, Carex and Hydrangeas all expected to make an appearance within designs.

“Native plants will be another popular choice for designers. Expect Silver Birch, fragrant Honeysuckle, Achillea, Acers and Salix all to make an appearance.

Chris continued: “Gardens for many of us are a sanctuary and the benefits on our mental wellbeing are huge. This is a theme many gardens will explore this year.

“The sensory experience in the garden – the smells, sounds, colours, textures are all important for our wellness, as is the garden as a social space. It’s somewhere to meet family and friends, or simply a place to unwind after a stressful day. It’s also a place for children to enjoy, run wild and have lots of fun.”

Chris concluded: “Make sure to check the small gardens, in particular the balcony gardens at the show. These are always a huge source of inspiration.

“With gardens getting smaller, knowing how to create a beautiful space with a small patch or utilising any outdoor space is a must.

“Balconies and urban spaces can be hugely showy and creative with the right planting and colour schemes. Expect to see big, bold plants that will catch the eye, including tropical varieties such as Cannas, Phormiums and Fatsias. Growing of fruit and vegetables in these smaller spaces could also be featured.”