Chelsea Flower Show 2016 Gathers Royals, Celebrities, and Beautiful Flowers Altogether

Queen Elizabeth II at the New Covent Garden Flower Market display. Image: Telegraph

No other flower show in the world attracts as much attention as the Chelsea Flower Show does. Also known as the Great Spring Show, Chelsea Flower Show is organized by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London and lasts for five days every May. The first garden show took place in 1912 and has since then attracted visitors from all continents. An added attraction is the presence of the Royal Family, who themselves are lovers of beautiful gardens.

In fact, the Royal Family have not missed since it was first launched. Queen Elizabeth II is a patron of the Royal Horticultural Society and frequently attends the opening of the show. One of the most remarkable displays in the show’s history was the Coronation Empire Exhibition in 1937, designed in honor of the coronation of the queen’s parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The exhibit highlighted plants that came from all over the Commonwealth.

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show never fails to wow the crowd. The grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea have once more been turned into an astonishing home to lovely plant displays. Also a marvel are unique and cutting-edge garden designs.

Aside from Queen Elizabeth II, other members of the British Royal Family also graced the event, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie marvelling the beauty of the RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden. Image: Telegraph

Prince Andrew with Julia Sergeant in Modern Slavery Garden. Image: Telegraph

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the gardens. Image: Telegraph

Chelsea veteran Prince Harry tours Prince William and Kate around. Image: Telegraph

Here are some of the highlights in the show (from RHS.org.uk):

• Photographic exhibits and a floral arch to celebrate the 90th birthday of the RHS patron, HM the Queen
• A 60-foot carriage from Belmond British Pullman, which forms part of the 6,000sq ft planted-up station in the Great Pavilion
• The RHS Garden for Health, Happiness and Horticulture designed by Ann-Marie Powell, and the Modern Apothecary Garden designed by RHS Ambassador Jekka McVicar
• The memorable poppies tribute by Phillip Johnson at the entrance to the show
• The return of horticultural showman Diarmuid Gavin with The British Eccentrics Garden, featuring bizarre garden gadgetry that comes to life every 15 minutes
• An acoustic garden inspired by world-leading percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie which is playing musical notes to visitors
• Horticultural inspiration from around the world, including Jordan, the Netherlands, Cambodia, Japan, Chile, Australia and more.