For years we’ve been working towards a big milestone – attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, England. This May, we’ll finally be there!
As my mother and I celebrate 10 years of growing flowers together at Cloverhill Flowers, this trip feels especially meaningful. What started as a small cut flower farm in rural Ontario has grown into something far beyond what we had imagined. We have always been inspired by English garden and floristry design and we’re incredibly excited to experience the artistry showcased at Chelsea in person.
More often than not, my mom and I spend our time together working on the business in the field and on the computer. We’re so excited to attend that we even became Royal Horticultural Society members for the year and are attending on one of the Members Only days.
I’m thrilled to go with her (and my dad!) on a grand adventure together.
What is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the most prestigious gardening event in the world. It’s held annually in May on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, UK. It’s a highlight of the British social season and is often attended by the royal family, celebrities and gardening experts.
For anyone in landscape design, gardening, floral design or outdoor living, the Chelsea really sets the bar when it comes to creativity, craftsmanship and horticultural design.
The show is made up of a series of large-scale gardens, each designed by well-known designers with their own unique theme. At the heart of the show is The Great Pavilion, a massive 2.5 acre marquee featuring top nurseries, growers and floral designers. Throughout the show there are also smaller gardens, shopping and food courts.
What’s especially impressive is how quickly these large gardens come together. After months of planning, they’re built in just a few weeks, often with fully mature trees brought in, thoughtfully chosen plants and an incredible amount of detail throughout. It’s that combination of scale and artistry that makes Chelsea so inspiring.
I’ve always enjoyed watching the television coverage of the show and can’t wait to see it all in person. I would also be over the moon if I caught a glimpse of Princess Kate… or garden expert Monty Don!
A Flower Farmer’s Perspective on Chelsea
For those of us coming from North America, the Chelsea Flower Show is unlike anything we’ve experienced before. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how plant varieties, planting combinations and growing techniques can translate back to our fields at home. I’m also looking forward to being surrounded by people who love flowers as much as we do!
Turning It Into a London & Countryside Trip
While Chelsea is the highlight, this trip is also about slowing down and soaking up some time “across the pond”.
We’ll be spending a couple of days exploring London – taking in the Chelsea Flower Show, visiting gardens and flower markets, spending time with family and taking in the city.
From there, we’ll head into the English countryside to visit more family, explore part of the Cotswolds, and experience a different pace.
A nice mix of city energy and countryside calm feels like the perfect way to experience England!
Tips for Visiting the Chelsea Flower Show
Planning your own trip? Here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Book everything early – Chelsea Flower Show tickets sell out fast. We bought ours as soon as they released in October. Flights, accommodations and dining reservations go quickly too, especially around Chelsea week.
Dress for unpredictable weather – London in May can swing from sunshine to a downpour in minutes. Layers and comfortable footwear are essential.
Think about what you want to see ahead of time – There is more at Chelsea than any one person can complete in a single day. Dan Cooper Garden has great tips on how to plan your visit. Whether it’s design inspiration, plant varieties or the overall experience, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all there is to see. Having a “Must See” List will hopefully help us get the most out of it.
Allow time beyond the flower show – While the show is incredible, there is so much going on in London that week, including the famous Chelsea in Bloom floral art installations on the high streets. The 2026 theme is “Out of this World” and I cannot wait to see what the shops and designers create.
A Personal Milestone…and What’s Coming Next!
This trip has been years in the making and I’m so excited to finally experience it in person, alongside my mom/business partner.
It’s a full-circle moment for us as flower farmers, floral designers and passionate gardeners.
I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, favourite gardens, and everything I’m learning along the way, both here on the blog and over on Instagram. If you don’t want to miss any of it, make sure you’re following along and subscribed to the blog!
If the Chelsea Flower Show has been on your list too, I hope this gives you a glimpse of what to expect, and maybe the push to start planning your own trip.
Have you been to Chelsea? I’d love to hear your tips and recommendations in the comments below.
