botanical love: chelsea flower show

On Saturday my mother-in-law and I headed south to the Chelsea flower show. After so much rain recently, we were lucky to enjoy such warm weather.

My mother-in-law is a keen gardener and was happy to impart her knowledge as we worked through the stands.

More than the show gardens, I was drawn to the pavillion, where hundreds of nurseries were exhibiting their specialist flower varieties. I fell in love with so many of the roses on the David Austin stand, I loved the subtleties of colour and shape. I probably should have taken a notebook, though I tried to photograph as many labels as possible...

Of the show gardens, I think my favourite was from Arthritis Research UK. I loved the soft, fresh planting and sculptures. 

Many visitors dressed up for the occasion, I loved these ladies' hats!

There was also an artist's studio designed by Rob Ryan in the 'artist's retreats' area. It was so interesting to see examples of his paper-cuts up close and talk with his studio team about his design process.

Perhaps I'll go back to Chelsea once we have a garden. Though to be honest, even without a garden, I loved my first visit!