Egg tarts and Flowers. Portugal plus Chelsea.

[drron]

Having seen a load of ancient ruins I thought 2 lions in the garden would be a good idea.

 

[drron]

More orchids.

 

[drron]

Just an amazing range of colours.




Birmingham coucil gardens display.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

 

[RooFlyer]

Best in show so far:



Runner up (obviously for the lichens)

 

[drron]

More garden ornaments.







And the highland coos. Their creator also looked like he had done a self sculpture.




An an ancient art - mosaics.

 

[drron]

Good to see a veggie garden displayed.

 

[drron]

And the Chelsea Pensioners hospital.

 

[drron]

There appeared to be a function. Presumably RHS officials.





And back to the show.

 

[drron]

And there was a huge crowd around the next garden as well as 3 BBC cameras one on a boom. This is all I could get.


But then I noticed on the boom was a monitor and the crowd were saying it was one of the garden presenters. So from the monitor is this.

 

[RooFlyer]

Is the show open at night, and are there nifty lighting effects?

 

[MattA]

But then I noticed on the boom was a monitor and the crowd were saying it was one of the garden presenters. So from the monitor is this.
View attachment 331113

That’s Monty Don, in case you aren’t aware. Quite well-known in the UK.

 

[drron]

So to the last of the Flower show.


They were having lunch at the next garden.







And where I razzed the Cunard staff.

 

[drron]

Is the show open at night, and are there nifty lighting effects?

The show is open from 8 until 8. however it was still light at 9pm. It is open until 10pm on the Friday. However the show itself still closes at 8pm and it is then called Chelsea Late. Lighting music and food.

 

[drron]

So some personal view of the Chelsea Flower Show. Glad we went but we never have to go again. Forget articles that you need 5-7 hours at the show. basically that is for people from the UK. They stop and talk to many of the trade exhibitors. There is absolutely no reason Australians need to do that. A partial exemption for Tasmanians who can grow everything that is on show and so get some cultivation tips from then. Much cheaper though to go to local shows which are very much cheaper.

So if you have a full day ticket go early. Be there to line up ~ 10 minutes before it opens at 8am. When you enter go straight to the show gardens as by 10am at the latest there are lots of people standing in front of them and by that time a lot of them want to see everything in that garden. Then go and see the main pavilion and finally the commercial exhibits. There is a musical program on in the Raneleagh gardens side of the show where even at midday we could get a seat. The times for the performances are 1100,1300,1500 and 1700. The first 3 are 1.5 hours and the last 2 hours but not held on Saturday. A pleasant way to relax and have a break from the crowds and walking.

Food. It seemed to be a very good selection of outlets and watching on the food seemed to be of good standard. The problem is from ~ 1215 to 1400 there are not enough seats for the numbers. locals bring a blanket and many their own food and have a picnic.
Personally I would forget the advertised "fine dining" in the Raneleagh restaurant. The place is a zoo, disorganised, small serves and cheap South African wines with the only choice being white or red. This time it was a viogner for the white and a pinot noir for the red. It certainly wasn't fine dining. And it cost 106 GBP per head.

Of course then there is the cost. all day tickets are not cheap. Also on the Tuesday and Wednesday they are only available to members and just under 121 GBP. Half day tickets were 69 GBP.

On the other days for the public are 116 GBP and 69GBP. For members 96 GBP and 58 GBP.

On Friday there is also a night ticket from 1730 until 2200 which is 90 GBP for the public and 73 GBP for members. The actual show though still finishes at 2000.

Benefits for members is that the Tuesday and Wednesday are supposedly less crowded and available a few days before the General public. Plus for the rest of the membership year you can visit other RHS gardens. You don't get in cheaper when you factor in the cost of membership.

Don't bother buying the catalogue as it is mainly ads for the exhibitors and sponsors. There are maps of the layout around the gardens on large boards. saw many take a picture of the boards with their phones. Much better than spending another 15 GBP.

 

[Quickstatus]

@drron
Take out the "Chelsea Flower Show" and it could sounds like the Sydney Royal Easter Show?

We almost got the Shakespeare Midsummers play program in the UK, but some bloke behind me said it's full of ads. He showed me the copy and indeed it was full of ads. Mrs QS said people often buy programs as a souvenir. Don't know how they can be souvenirs

 

[drron]

So now a few shots walking back to our apartment. We weren't the only ones who had had enough. It was just after 3pm.






We had just crossed the road at the end of the way into the show when we met this delightful lady from Northampton. She wanted her photo taken showing the entry gate to the show. Plus a bit of a chat.

 

[drron]

And you pass the Sloane Club around the corner from the Apartments. It has an interesting history. Established in 1922 as the Service Womens Club. It became the Helena club in the early 60s before opening its doors to gentlemen in 1976.






After a short nap I went out for a walk heading towards Victoria Station. First passed a couple of Tailors. The first was the official supplier of Top Hats to Royal Ascot. The second though sparked my interest so the next day got Mrsdrron to see the outfits.


She said an absolute no to the jacket saying it was a morning jacket. despite me saying but the other Aussies and the Americans wouldn't no that she wouldn't budge. Sadly even the vests didn't meet her approval.

 

[drron]

Another series of the local retailers getting into flower show mood.