Remembering Chelsea

On Saturday Rebecca and I headed down to London for the 2016 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  We had been told it would be warm, so it was dresses and bare legs.  Whilst heading awards London it was grey, then started to rain, goosebumps were gathering, no coats, though we did have an umbrella!  Fortunately by the time we arrived it had stopped, though still grey and by the time we exited the Underground the sun was putting in an appearance.  It turned out to be one of those sunny intervals days, cool at times, but at least dry. Actually a decent temperature for walking around.

The show gardens

Yes, this stone is balancing on the other, we watched him do it!

This was my favourite - designed by Chris Beardshaw for Great Ormond Street Hospital - it will be moved and become a permanent feature at the hospital for parents of sick children to get a bit of respite from the wards.

The next favourite was Chelsea Barracks Garden by Jo Thompson

Some of the gardens leave much to be desired, however, that patch of nettles in the back of one of my borders is staying, it seems to be quite acceptable in a show garden!!

Then into the Grand Pavilion

David Austen Roses

Covent Garden Flower Markets tribute to the Queen's 90th birthday

Stalls outside and some of the exhibits 

and finally 5000 Poppies created by Lynn Berry & Margaret Knight - knitted and crocheted poppies - a community tribute of respect and remembrance