Chelsea Flower Show
Nicki Chapman on this year’s Chelsea Flower Show with a difference…
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 17-22 May, times vary BBC1 & BBC2 Factual
Despite the famous flower show being cancelled, there will be blooms galore in some lockdown specials over the week as well as looking back at the festivals best bits over the last 10 years. Sophie Raworth, Nicki Chapman, Monty Don and Joe Swift are among the presenting team, alongside the likes of Carol Klein and Adam Frost, who’ll be offering garden tips and advice.
Q As the actual event has been cancelled, what can we expect from the shows? A I’m hosting the daytime shows [Your Chelsea Flower Show, Mon-Fri, 3.45pm, BBC1] and we’ve got a clinic running all week answering viewers’ questions. We’re looking at introducing colour into borders, wildlife gardens, maximising space and gardening on a budget. We’ve also got the Garden of the Decade – it’ll be great seeing how gardens have changed over the years. Q With social distancing, how will filming work? A Everybody’s working from home and where possible we aren’t using any crew at all. Some people have got family members helping, so Arit Anderson’s got some lovely pieces with her kids, who’ve learnt how to use the camera. I’ve also done some Zoom filming with Toby Buckland where he gives us a tour of his garden in Devon, while I’m in mine in west London. Q Why is gardening so beneficial right now? A Gardeners and horticulturalists have been telling us for years that green space is important for our mental well-being. When I was ill last year [Nicki had surgery for a brain tumour in May 2019], I spent a long time in the garden just enjoying it. Q What tips can you give us for our gardens this year? A One of the things I can fill you in on is that Toby says orange is the new colour for 2020. Apparently, 1970s-style hanging baskets are also making a comeback. But if that’s a step too far, then Rachel de Thame has done lovely planters for the show that will really wow your neighbours! Q You missed out on presenting Chelsea last year because you’d just had surgery. How are you now?
A My health is really good. I still have the tumour, as it was too dangerous to take him all out – yes, he’s a he and I call him a rude name that you can’t print! The NHS did a fantastic job.