As Chelsea Flower Show approaches, London seems to spring into bloom with flowers adorning every doorway and shop entrance in West London. The first Chelsea Flower Show was held in May 1913. It was originally known as the Great Spring Show and was held within a single marquee. Now it is one of the highlights of the London calendar.
A few years ago we produced a garden in collaboration with Bloomsbury Flowers for Chelsea Flower Show called Potting Shed Dream.
The theme was a magical afternoon tea with Wedgwood china, antique silverware, cupcakes garnished with little peppers, carrots and tomatoes. We used wooden furniture sprinkled with moss to create an organic feel. We were so proud to be awarded the Silver-Grenfell prize.
On the 21st of July we will be offering tours of the Ham Yard roof garden as part of the Open Roof Top Festival in Partnership with Open City, offering free access to some of London’s most beautiful rooftop gardens and natural spaces, so do come and see it for yourself.
We even brought part of Chelsea Flower Show home with us to the roof terrace of Ham Yard Hotel. Up above Soho, you will find a hidden vegetable garden with outdoor beds fashioned from upcycled railway sleepers. All of the vegetables in the garden were salvaged from a previous Chelsea Flower Show garden.
We grow miniature wild strawberries, chard, tomatoes and even artichokes, which are used in the hotel’s kitchen. It is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of Soho, a place to sit in and momentarily forget the busy streets below.
This year we are celebrating Chelsea Flower Show at Number Sixteen in South Kensington with some lovely colourful planting adorning the entrance.
