The Chelsea Flower Show is an important fixture in the calendar for keen gardeners, providing inspiration whether you have a large or small outdoor space. Discover the history of the show and how you can visit – plus, what really happens to all those plants afterwards?
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What is the Chelsea Flower Show?
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an annual world-renowned flower show held in London since 1913. It's organised by the RHS and showcases garden designs and floral displays, as well as shopping experiences. Awards are given to gardens across different categories, including Best in Show, Environmental Innovation Award and Best Construction.
Chelsea has a long history with the Royal Family, who attend the opening day every year. The first Chelsea Flower Show was opened by Queen Alexandra – King Edward VII's wife.
The origins of the show date back to 1827, when the RHS hosted its first fete at Chiswick garden. It also moved to a site where the Natural History and Science Museums stand today.
When is the Chelsea Flower Show?
The Chelsea Flower Show runs from 20-24 May 2025.
Where is Chelsea Flower Show?
Chelsea Flower Show is held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which is famous for housing retired British Army veterans the Chelsea Pensioners.
Can I visit Chelsea Flower Show?
You can visit the Chelsea Flower Show: tickets can be bought on the RHS website. You can also watch coverage of Chelsea Flower Show on BBC One and BBC Two, with the buildup featured on Gardeners' World.
What are the highlights of this year's Chelsea Flower Show?
The theme for this year's Chelsea Flower is 'Your Space, Your Story' which celebrities the individuality of gardeners and their gardens. Show garden highlights include the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden (designed by Monty Don), The King's Trust Garden; Seeding Success (designed by Joe Perkins), and Garden of the Future (designed by Josh Parker and Matthew Butler).
What happens to the plants after the show has ended?
Every year at 4pm on the last day of the show, a bell rings. This marks the 'great plant sell off' when exhibitors sell any plants they don't want to take home with them – so sometimes, it might be worth holding off any impulse purchases!
All of the flower show gardens in the Chelsea Flower Show must have a plan to relocate, reuse or repurpose the garden after the show finishes. If a garden can't be relocated in its entirety, parts of it can be repurposed – including donating or selling plants. Occasionally, hard landscaping is reused by contractors on other projects.
Main image: RHS Letters by Pinstripes & Peonies from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. Credit: RHS / Sarah Cuttle