The ‘Time For Tea’ garden, located in the grand pavilion. Source: Jonathan Brady, Associated Press
For many in London, it’s not spring without the Chelsea Flower Show. Long enjoyed by Britain’s upper crust, the Royal Horticultural Society has held the five-day annual event for over a century, and it is considered to be the most important and prestigious flower show in the world.
The Royal Horticultural Society first launched their event in 1833 in Chiswick Gardens, and after a couple moves found a permanent home on the grounds of the Chelsea Royal Hospital. The first officially named Chelsea Flower Show debuted on May 20th, 1913.
The show was briefly suspended during both World Wars, but quickly returned to prominence after each reopening. Popularity has steadily grown over the decades, and each year more than 150,000 people attend. As the following images highlight, this number would undoubtedly be much larger if attendance was not limited due to space constraints:
Display of the Thai Tropical Garden. Source: D.E.Ireland
Golden Dragon in the 'Thailand Land of Buddhism' garden. Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
An elephant floral sculpture is a children’s favorite. Source: D.E.Ireland
Giant Jammie Dodger biscuits filled with white roses and other flowers. Source: Mark Cuthbert
This flower car shows a whimsical side of a posh affair. Source: D.E.Ireland
A woman surrounded by flora while making final preparations in one of the gardens. Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
Flower ice cream cones of numerous ‘flavors.’ Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
Making final adjustments before the visitors are let onto the grounds. Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
Cloudy Bay Garden designed by Prince Harry and David Rich. Source: Rex Features, Associated Press
Some visitors’ apparel is as colorful as the flowers on display. Source: D.E.Ireland
Even the typical London rain does not put a damper on the attendees' spirits. Source: Tim Ireland, Associated Press
Creativity takes many forms among the different gardens on the show grounds. Source: D.E.Ireland
A gorgeous display from the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show. Source: Mashable
Each display is set up with ultimate precision. Source: Jonathan Brady, Associated Press
The meticulous work includes dusting the leaves of the plants. Source: Jonathan Brady, Associated Press
Prince Harry's Sentebale garden. Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
Source: Rex Features, Associated Press
The Royals are often seen enjoying the show alongside the common people in attendance. Source: D.E.Ireland
A dragon sculpture overlooking the show grounds. Source: Rex Features, Associated Press
An exotic plant from Prince Harry’s garden is displayed. Source: Anthony Devlin, Associated Press
People take their floral dedication seriously at the Chelsea Flower Show. Source: Tim Ireland, Associated Press
The Viking Ocean Cruise Show Garden comes complete with Norse Gods. Source: Jeff Moore, Associated Press
The floral bouquets of spring blooms and wine intertwine. Source: Rex Features, Associated Press
The Cancer Research Show Garden designed by Andy Sturgeon has been awarded with a Gold Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show 2007. Source: Michael Walter/Troika
