Chelsea Flower Show, May 21-25, 2013
This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world – the Chelsea Flower Show. First known as the Royal Horticulture Society Great Spring Show from 1862 through 1912, the Chelsea Flower Show has been located at its current site on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, in the United Kingdom, since 1913. Once Britain’s largest flower show (now held by Hampton Court), Chelsea’s draws 157,000 vistors each year and is the show most associated with the Royal Family.
5 Facts about the Chelsea Flower Show
- It takes 25 days to put up the entire show
- The number of exibits in 1913 = 244; in 2013 = 550
- Garden gnomes, along with all colored sculptures are forbidden (although exhibitors try to sneak them in)
- Two firms have exhibited every year since 1913, including McBean’s Orchids, and Blackmore and Langdon
- The Great Pavilion, introduced in 1951, was name in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest tent, until it was replaced in 2000. The tent remains were used to make 7,000 bags, aprons, and jackets.
Learn more about the Chelsea Flower Show and other flower and garden shows around the UK.
