Naomi Slade explains how to grow your own flower show
I’m filling the Chelsea void with my own po ed paradise!
For me, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the highlight of the spring gardening calendar. It’s the natural culmination of early-season sowing and growing; the excitement that starts with the first shoots in February and concludes with a fabulous world of seasonal colour and perfection.
Detractors claim that Chelsea is una ainable and unaffordable, but for me it’s about the spectacle and the inspiration – and that magic point in the calendar where there are finally enough plants available to furnish the horticultural wonderland of my dreams!
But, for the first time in its 108-year history, RHS Chelsea has been postponed, and while it’ll be exciting to see what’s done with a September planting pale e, it leaves a gap in my schedule for the end of May. And, having hauled ourselves and our reluctant plants through a miserable and cold spring, by now we’re all in need of something to cheer ourselves up!
Consequently, I’m putting together a homage to the event; clustering containers of key plants in my sunny front garden to greet me gaily. My own bit of Chelsea bling that I’ll be able to enjoy for weeks, and which, overall, will be much cheaper than the return train ticket to London!
While some plants are held back or pushed forward for show week, certain varieties reliably hit their stride about now, so I’ve selected a few of these that will echo the garden show style. Foxgloves, thalictrum and ferns are garden staples, while Ammi majus and Verbena bonariensis will be joining the party later.
Last autumn, in anticipation, I planted up lily ‘Claude Shride’ and allium ‘Purple Sensation’, which should be showing flowers soon. And while geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ and Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ are Chelsea staples, to try something different I’ve picked up geum ‘Flames of Passion’ and Salvia nemorosa ‘Rose Marvel’ instead.
On which topical note, nurseries have been having issues with supply of late, but if you can’t find the precise plant you want, don’t worry, just substitute. Even the best designers have to work with what’s available on the day.
So, let’s hear it for hope and optimism. And despite a bit of late spring chill and blustery rain, my li le po ed paradise is now in place and I’m feeling positive about the summer ahead!