RHS annual Chelsea flower show

The annual Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea Flower Show for 2017 gets underway May 23 and runs until May 27. Not long when you consider the huge effort that goes into perfecting the sensational garden and flower displays on offer.

Worth a visit if you are in London? You bet it is

The first Chelsea Flower Show was held in 1913 so 2013 staged the event's 100-year anniversary.

Established in the grounds of Chelsea Royal Hospital in London in 1913, it was a roaring success and is now a world-famous event. It has been held annually apart from some gaps during the two world wars.

To mark the 100-year anniversary Chelsea Flower Show pushed the boat out. That said, each year there are some displays which are truly amazing.

Final preparations will soon be underway but the show's worst enemy could scupper efforts, namely bad weather. In recent years, Britain has experienced rain and cold weather in May and June and even snow in some parts of the UK.

This year then as always the show's organisers and participants have their work cut out protecting delicate blooms as they hope for kind weather.

According to RHS, the Grand Pavilion in 2013 displayed a variety of flowers old and new; look out for "our display of 100 years in pictures, a spell-binding look at how Chelsea style has evolved through the decades" they advertised.

But each year competing teams and gardens work hard to create temporary magical gardens which are everything from the sublime to the ridiculous.

RHS offered these key facts about the show previously;

• It takes 25 days to put the entire show up
• The number of exhibitors at the first Chelsea show was 244
• The current exhibitors' total is 550
• Hillier Nurseries holds the record for the greatest number of Chelsea Golds which is 66 and counting

If you visit the show on its last day, you can bag yourself a piece of it, and maybe a bargain, as the organizers sell-off displayed plants and flowers.

The show is interesting to visit whether you are a keen gardener or not. The displays offer inspiration, are a beautiful sight for world-weary eyes and give a nod to the environment. You can also pick up helpful tips and advice to take back home.

• Tickets sell out fast
• There are benefits to joining the society
• There are other RHS shows around the country

Chelsea 2017 May 23 - May 27
Tuesday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 5.30pm

https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show