The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009

The RHS Chelsea Flower show is the world's top ranked horticultural event. This premier event opens the Royal Horticulture Society's annual shows for 2009. The RHS is the United Kingdom's largest non-profit horticultural organization, and works to promote excellence in gardening.

Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea garden show is scheduled for May 21-23, and is held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London. Viewing hours on Thursday and Friday are 8 am to 8 pm, with tickets for the general public priced from $18.50 GBP ($27.14 USD) to $43.00 GBP ($63.09 USD). Saturday hours are 8 am to 5 pm, with general admission tickets for $43.00 GBP ($63.09 USD). For more information on ticket options, visit this website: http://www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/shows/chelsea2009/.

Members of the Royal Horticulture Society can purchase discounted tickets online by using their membership number. To purchase tickets, click here: http://www.keithprowse.com/hosted/rhs/.

Show Gardens

Top designers compete for the opportunity to display their talents at the Chelsea garden show. This year's talent line-up includes: Thomas Hoblyn, Champagne Laurent-Perrier & Luciano Giubbilei, and Robert Myers. Show gardens are majestic landscaping creations that will highlight botanical superiority and expertise.

Show attendees can also view smaller, miniature garden designs in the urban and courtyard gardens. Unique rooftop gardens and pocket-sized space utilizations give avid gardeners many inspirational ideas.

Great Pavilion Exhibits

The Great Pavilion is the main appeal of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with over 100 exhibitors and eye-catching displays. The undersea reef garden created by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Newington Nurseries is sure to be a well-liked exhibit, but keep your fingers away from the carnivorous plant display.

Another must-see exhibit is the octagonal garden, created by Centrepoint Garden in association with The National Trust, Carpel Manor College and the LDA. The British Beekeepers' Association's display will focus attention on the ecological value of bees.

Floral Competitions

The British Florist Association has added a special contest to the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. Fifteen florists will compete for Florist of the Year, while 16 other floral competitors will seek the title of Young Florist of the Year. Look for the competition in the Floral Design Marquee, along with floral arranging sessions.

Vendor Exhibits

Over 260 exhibitors have trade stand stalls and will sell a variety of garden related products, gifts, and accessories. Although there are no plant sales at the Chelsea garden show, vendors will sell seeds and attendees may order plants for future delivery.

Shop for specialty stone and driftwood sculptures, or meander through the displays of birdbaths, greenhouses, and furniture. There is something for everyone at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, so purchase tickets today before the show sells out.