As the days grow longer and gardens come into full bloom, summer offers the perfect excuse to step outdoors and soak in nature at its most vibrant.
Flower shows, with their bursts of colour, intricate displays and fragrant air, capture the essence of the season, bringing together gardening enthusiasts, families and casual visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply a leisurely day out, they’re an easy way to embrace those summery vibes.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, widely considered the most prestigious flower show in Britain, is currently taking place in London from 19 to 23 May. Hosted in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this year’s event showcases cutting-edge garden design, large-scale floral installations and innovative planting ideas, with a strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing and climate resilience. Highlights include royal-inspired gardens, rare plant exhibits and newly unveiled rose varieties. Notably, this is only the second time in the show’s history that gnomes have been permitted as part of the displays.
Alongside it, Chelsea in Bloom—produced by Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), returns for its 21st anniversary from 18 to 24 May. This alternative floral art festival transforms the streets of Chelsea with striking installations made entirely of fresh flowers. This year’s theme, ‘Out of this World’, turns the area into an intergalactic spectacle, with displays inspired by space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism.
Visitors can expect eye-catching installations across key locations, including a zodiac-themed constellation at Sloane Square, a UFO hovering above Pavilion Road, a lunar landscape at Duke of York Square, and towering figures such as a 4-metre dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street. On King’s Road, a giant floral globe pays tribute to David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
For the best experience, it’s worth visiting early in the morning before 10am or later in the evening when it’s quieter. Allow around one and a half to two and a half hours to explore, and make use of the free online map to navigate the displays.
