Preview: Chelsea Flower Show

RHS / Jon Enoch

The world’s most famous flower show is back and bigger than ever

RHS / Jon Enoch

Recent weather means that many of us haven’t ventured near a garden for weeks, but believe it or not it’s the time of year when the green-fingered behemoth that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will open its gates to 157,000 visitors.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s 11-acre site at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea will host 14 evocative show gardens, ranging from “New English” design to trendsetting topiary. There will also be new show categories such as Fresh (dedicated to modern, inventive gardens and innovative products) and RHS Environment, suggesting smart solutions to problem areas, including vertical allotments.

The gates don’t officially open until Tuesday, after The Queen’s official visit happens on Monday. She will tour the exhibits created in honour of her Diamond Jubilee, along with new plants named after members of the Royal Family.

Tickets for the show are now extremely limited but can still be purchased from the RHS website.