An Expert’s Guide To Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Flower Show is an institution, the official start of British summer. It can also be a world unto its own, so to help navigate it, we’re handing over the reins of our Substack to award-winning garden designer and CFS veteran, Pollyanna Wilkinson, to share all her wisdom.

It’s almost here, Chelsea Flower Show, the closest thing the gardening world has to the Met Gala or the FA Cup Final, depending on which way you lean. There is so much to see and it can be easy to miss real highlights of the show, so here is my insider’s guide to how to get the most of your day.

The fun thing about Chelsea Flower Show is that it’s an excuse to dress up and make a bit of an effort, and most people do. You won’t look out of place in what you would wear to a summer drinks party, BUT it’s also a really long day on your feet, so make sure you are comfortable and have layers - the weather can be unpredictable. It’s also not a day for stilettos unless you are happy to do 10,000 steps in them (bravo if so).

You see a lot of florals at Chelsea, but I must admit I have really leaned towards more classic tailoring in the past few years when attending. So imagine my delight when I came across this lemon yellow suit. The colour of the moment, it’s spectacularly well cut. Maybe you want to keep it a little less coordinated. In which case, how about this waistcoat and crease-less linen trouser? We all know the not-so-cute scrunching of a linen trouser. Well not with these beauties. Wear with whatever flat shoe you fancy, the trousers will cover most of them!

If you looked up ‘timeless classic dress’ in the dictionary it would be this. First, it has pockets - I cannot abide a dress without pockets. Second, it’s a great length, a great colour, and a great shape. It’s going to serve you well at Chelsea but then also serve you well on your summer holidays for evening meals, and literally any event you need it to.

I love a co-ord as it’s an instant outfit elevator, but also both can be used separately in very different ways. Worn together, I personally love it with a white t-shirt poking out beneath just to keep it fresh and relaxed. The suede skirt is going to become a firm favourite year round - wear with boots in the winter with a chunky oversize knit.

Antihistamines if you have hayfever. I cannot stress this enough. As a hay fever sufferer (oh the irony in my profession), Chelsea is next level. The plane trees are usually in full swing and the Chelsea cough is a thing. Also, pack sunglasses, sun cream, snacks, plasters (did I mention lots of walking?) and a water bottle. The RHS now has free water refill stations which will save you a fortune which you can spend on champagne. Bring a bag big enough for you to put all the brochures with the plant lists on them.

Get there early

Gates open at 8am. Be at the gate by 7:45/7:50am and you will get to see the main avenue gardens without having to sharply elbow the crowds. These gardens have been months/years in the planning and the detail is exquisite, so get there early to really savour it.

Do the Main Avenue show gardens first

Assuming you have heeded my advice and arrived early, do main avenue first. The balcony gardens, Great Pavilion and smaller show gardens are usually easier to access throughout the day.

Do a little homework

If you are up for doing a little prep ahead, I suggest looking up the gardens ahead of your visit. I always think it’s more interesting and also more meaningful when you can engage with the intent, rather than just judging it on its aesthetic merit. Very few are designed simply to look nice and as with all things art, it’s in the understanding.

Have a shopping list

Whilst you can buy some smaller items at Chelsea (tools, hats, etc), most of what you can buy is to order. If you are in the market for furniture or any of those big ticket items, have a list in your head so you can visit the various suppliers - it’s a great chance to see a lot of superb products all in one place and they often, though not always, offer a show discount. Unlike some of the other shows, there aren’t lots of plants for sale at Chelsea. That said, there is usually a big plant sell-off on the final day (Saturday 23 May) at 4pm. Not all gardens and stalls participate as many are relocated, but if you are going on the Sunday, it’s worth sticking around (and bring something to carry them home!).

Food

You will need to eat. Queues at lunchtime can be a serious time-sink so I’d say either eat early (11.30) or late (2.30). The picnic areas are great if the weather is kind, and there is usually live music playing if you venture to Ranelagh Gardens.

Before or after the show – making a proper day of it

The day isn’t over when you have been gardened out. Head to the Kings Road for a little retail therapy and take in Chelsea in Bloom. The shops really go for it with their decorations and it’s got a lovely festive atmosphere

The Children’s Society Garden by Patrick Clarke

I am the most enormous fan of this brilliant designer who is in my view one of the nicest men in the industry. Inspired by Patrick’s mission to restore optimism and hope in young people (I told you he was fab), the garden reimagines an urban landscape and uses the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi – finding beauty in imperfection.

Campaign to Protect Rural England ‘On the Edge’ by Sarah Eberle

Sarah Eberle is a legend in the Chelsea world. She’s won more golds than I can count.

The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden by Frances Tophill

The garden with the most buzz and with good reason. This is the King’s garden, designed by Frances Tophill of Gardeners’ World fame. The concept is a ‘museum of curiosities’. Seven raised beds (a nod to Sir David Beckham’s number 7 – he’s a King’s Foundation ambassador), delphiniums (because King Charles is Patron of the Delphinium Society), and new David Austin roses dedicated to the King, Beckham and Alan Titchmarsh.

The Monument Feature in the Great Pavilion by Imogen Perreau

Ok I’m biassed here, as I designed the monument feature in the very heart of the great pavilion a few years ago, so it holds a special place in my heart, but it’s great to see another up and comer debut at Chelsea.

The Tate Britain Garden by Tom Stuart-Smith

Nine-time Chelsea Gold medallist, Tom can basically do no wrong. A gently curving path of reclaimed stone through planting inspired by East Asian woodlands, with a Barbara Hepworth sculpture at its heart? Yes please.

The Project Giving Back Feature Garden by James Basson

2026 is Project Giving Back’s final year at Chelsea. Since 2022 they’ve funded 63 gardens for good causes at the show (including mine for Mothers for Mothers) and their impact has been genuinely transformational, so many of the Chelsea gardens that end up relocated to community sites, hospitals and public spaces exist because of PGB. I and many other designers wouldn’t have had the chance to exhibit if it wasn’t for PGB (finding funding is a huge hurdle to exhibiting at Chelsea).