My fabulous jet-set stepsister, Erica, just returned from London where she attended the hottest event in England, second only to the royal wedding–the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show. Since this annual Royal Horticulture Society event has long been on my bucket list, my sister graciously agreed to share her photographic impressions of her trip with me and my readers.
Now, my girl is not about to spend several days in London without doing a little (or a lot of) shopping. However, she still was able to get her floral fix while pursuing a little retail therapy. In fact, she engaged in some awesome flower-power-shopping because the Sloan Square shops in Chelsea get into the spirit of the famous flower show with their own alternative floral art competition called Chelsea In Bloom. The theme of this year’s Chelsea In Bloom was inspired by the Royal Wedding and the 1960’s “Summer Of Love.” More than 60 retailers, restaurants, and hotels joined the competition to adorn their shopfronts with the most spectacular floral display.
So, put on your sandals and love beads and walk through the “Tunnel Of Love” into the wonderland of Chelsea In Bloom.
Tunnel Of Love (Photo Credit: Erica)Gorgeous garland and window boxes and overflowing with Hydrangeas and Petunias adorn the front of the Savills Real Estate Investment offices. (Photo Credit: Erica)Boutique 1 English country garden display featuring Belles Of Ireland and Delphinium (Photo Credit: Erica)Purple passion floral arches flow around the entrance of Boutique 1.Dancing skeletons in love inspired by “Mr. Bones,” a mascot that appears in every Kiehl’s store worldwide. It also seems to me to reference Day Of The Dead celebrations. (Photo Credit: Erica)These huge skeletons are primarily covered with different kinds of Mums. (Photo Credit: Erica)Hackett menswear’s display of a quintessential London doubledecker bus inspired by the royal wedding (Photo Credit: Erica)Marshall Wace Asset Management embraces the Chelsea In Bloom Summer Of Love theme with lifesize carved wooden elephants festooned with flowers for a traditional Indian wedding. (Photo Credit: Erica)Love is in the air with the delicious scents of Roses, Eustoma, Hypericum, and Calla Lillies in the pink and peach shades of Nars’ iconic blush that grace their doorway. (Photo Credit: Erica)The Lucas Hugh activewear window takes inspiration from the kaleidoscope image on Pink Floyd’s “Pipers At The Gates Of Dawn” album cover. The Birds of Paradise are used for their architectural nature but also because they symbolize the joy of new love. (Photo Credit: Erica)The Trotters window springs to life with a lush floral garland that reflects the playful prints used in their childrenswear. The cheerful flower display, studded with lily of the valley, harkens back to the traditional bouquets given to loved ones on May Day. (Photo Credit: Erica)Smythson luxury leathergoods decked out their storefront with a bridal bower of white wedding flowers. (Photo Credit: Erica)LOVE is in the center of Sloane Square where the public was invited to add a flower to the display. (Photo Credit: Erica)(Photo Credit: Erica)
To see more of the entries and the winners, check out the official site for Chelsea in Bloom, Summer Of Love. And see Erica’s photos from the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show in an upcoming post.
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10 thoughts on “Chelsea In Bloom: 2018 Chelsea Flower Show Part 1”
WHAT! I am in heaven! I am going one day! I had never heard of Chelsea in Bloom before, so I will attach it to the Chelsea Flower Show trip. I love to see creative art applied with flowers. Some of the entries reminded me of the Rose Parade (stationary).
Petals in my heart!
I am so pleased you enjoyed Chelsea In Bloom. I didn’t know about it either until Erica sent me her pics. I thought it was really fun. This was the 13th year of the CIB competition. If you are interested, you can look up images from past years. Each year, they have a different theme and some of the entries are just astonishing. Hope you have a great week!
WHAT! I am in heaven! I am going one day! I had never heard of Chelsea in Bloom before, so I will attach it to the Chelsea Flower Show trip. I love to see creative art applied with flowers. Some of the entries reminded me of the Rose Parade (stationary).
Petals in my heart!
Thank you Lisa for making me smile today!
Dh
I am so pleased you enjoyed Chelsea In Bloom. I didn’t know about it either until Erica sent me her pics. I thought it was really fun. This was the 13th year of the CIB competition. If you are interested, you can look up images from past years. Each year, they have a different theme and some of the entries are just astonishing. Hope you have a great week!
It was truly fabulous.!! Your blog reminded me of a perfectly beautiful time. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks so much for commenting, Cathy. Erica’s pics were so great. You guys are lucky ducks!
So Jealous! What a cool thing to get to go see! I especially love the skeletons
Thanks so much for commenting. The skeletons actually were my favorite too!
So delightful! How exciting to have been there!
Thank you so much for commenting. Flowers and shopping what could be better?
Absolutely stunning!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment I am glad you enjoyed the Flower Show.