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eveningsong

Help - Chelsea Flower Show in '04 OR Various Garden Tour

eveningsong
20 years ago

To All -

I live 50 miles away from Disney World but have never wanted to visit it - on the contrary I love to be in the mist of God's creations - Nature always wins the trophy for magnificence to me -

I have a chance to go to Europe next year and thought since my husband was in Germany for over 20 years in the service -we would go to Berlin, Switzerland, then to Holland to see the tulips and end up in Britain -

Now I need advise - should I take a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show in 2004 OR pass this up for a trip to England perhaps later in the year for a trip to the rose gardens? I think Chelsea looks very commercialized and huge and doesn't give the country garden moment that I really enjoy - I have been watching the new trends of the BBC America "Homefront in the Garden" show and I think the more natural, romantic garden appeals to my nature.

I would love to hear from anyone with thoughts on this -

Thank you for your time!

Comments (8)

  • hopflower
    20 years ago

    Of course Chelsea is commercialised...it is the biggest Garden Show event in the world, and they feature a different look each season. If you want country gardens on old estates then the other plan would be the one to follow. But no one can beat Chelsea for a traditional flower show that features many types of gardens...country cottage, formal, Japanese, gardens for handicapped people, and the floral pavilions that feature individual types of flowers and plants. It is your choice, and no one can make up your mind for you. Whatever you decide, you will enjoy it.

  • PPennypacker
    20 years ago

    I agree with hopflwr. My trip to Chelsea in 2002 was glorious! Started out real early, first thing in the am and had a good 2+ hrs to walk and talk and speak to designers and growers personally. Learned TONS! Took lots of notes even while standing in the torrential (but quick) English downpours. Lots of fun, lots of seeds, lots of contacts. I'd definitely go. Nothing like D...land, except that it's like another world.
    Best,
    PP

  • adisim
    20 years ago

    I would choose the gardens later in the year- for roses Mottisfont Abbey Garden in late June should be great. Scotney Castle Garden, Sissinghurst, Hampton Court, and the small garden behind Mompesson House in Salisbury (on the cathedral close) are also wonderful. You can't go wrong with a garden trip to England. Have a great time whatever you choose!

  • zone6zelda
    20 years ago

    Actually you could do both, although the roses at Kew weren't fully out.
    Went to Chelsea for the first time. It was unbelievable! We spent 6 hours there and never felt rushed or jostled. Had a wonderful lunch and a Pims! The veggie displays are so unique. Overhead walkways give a great view. We joined the RHS so we could go on Members only day. Worth the $60 fee as you also get a year's subscription to the RHS magazine. A big plus on Chelsea, No childen under 5 which means NO baby buggies!!
    A highlight was meeting Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock of Ground Force. Even had a photo with them!

    Chelsea is a huge event, almost like the Super Bowl here. Every night there would be an hour long day's highlights on TV.
    Having been to England before, we planned our own trip. We were there for 10 days, long enough to do whatever we wanted. Less expensive and most leisurely than a tour and you have some awesome resturants in the Kensington area where we stayed, overlooking Kensington Palace. Took the tube, bus and train everywhere with a travel pass, another great bargain. Get the one that allows use before 9:30am. Kensington is a great central location and only one unpacking!!
    Went to other gardens, Sissinghurst, Kew etc using discount admission on our RHS membership.
    We went to Hampton Court, a beautiful town in Richmond. Next time I'd like to go to that flower show which is in July, so that might be a better time for you.
    Have fun, I'm sure you will!

  • simbelmyne
    20 years ago

    Chelsea is certainly a unique experience. But if you don't like being crowded, then it is no good choice. I would recommend travelling at a later time and see the perennial gardens in full bloom and see another flower show like the one at Tatton which was wonderful and more spacious than Chelsea....

  • riverview
    20 years ago

    If you want to see the tulips in Holland you'll have to go in early spring - I think the Keukenhof in Lisse is the first week of April??? We visited on opening day and it poured. How wonderful it was - dazzling colors - tulips and umbrellas. Of course, Chelsea is in May. I found Chelsea disappointing. Too many commercial vendors as compared to the number of garden displays. Philadelphia and Boston have incredible spring flower shows. I've visited more than 100 gardens in England and across Europe. If I could only vist a few I would say don't miss Sissinghurst when the roses are in bloom or Hidcote and the gardens of the Cotswolds.

  • Bill_zone6
    20 years ago

    I think Zelda is on to something with Chelsea. Buy a RHS membership, and go a day or two earlier than the 'crowd'. I went on a Thursday and found it difficult not to get elbowed a lot. Way too many people in one area.

    By the way, can we come along? We won't be any trouble.:)

  • gardengull
    20 years ago

    Hi
    lots of good tips here from people - another thought- Chelsea versus smaller gardens isnt exclusive decision but could merely timing per se. Why not expect to do 2 trips over time and plan your most favorite as the first trip?

    We faced the same dilemma (Chelsea, tour?) and chose non-Chelsea and independent travel. No regrets, Rented a house, traveled only by rail, coach, walk, occasional local driver in far country areas.

    We knew that we couldnt do everything and chose only a 65 mile area to explore. Wow, so more pleasant than running around like a nut and we still didnt see all we could see. We decided that tours were out, their garden visits were too short for us and their daily road travel too long. All rail and coach schedules are on the net and we got responses from all our individual email questions - US companies could learn from them.

    I noticed that you live in Z9, SW England has wonderful tropicals, including the lush Lost Gardens of Heligan, a restored Victorian garden. Joining the Nat. Trust, RHS, Historic Houses, etc. saved us a bundle.

    And acquaint yourself with UK garden terms used to describe garden types - helps you define your interests further. Check out Hudsons Garden Guide, most libraries have it - will overwhelm you but helps you define locations.

    I agree with Bill / W. Pa, can we come, we wont be any trouble!

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