Chelsea bursts into bloom

Hailed as the world's most famous gardening event, the Chelsea Flower Show is also a hugely popular social occasion - last year 3,000 bottles of champagne, 11,000 glasses of Pimms and 8,000 bottles of wine were consumed.

Three-and-a-half weeks and 800 people in the making, this year's show is set to be more varied than ever with an overseas contingent from as far afield as the Caribbean, Australia, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates and India.

This year should see a greater concentration on new talent and ideas, with three new categories (city, chic and courtyard garden) and the opening up of the small gardens competition to all would-be garden designers. Previously, Chelsea was only open to horticultural colleges and RHS-affiliated societies. Expect all the usual quality stalls and the bargain end-of-show sell-off on Fri at 4.30pm.

Buy tickets online now!
Chelsea Flower Show, Tue 21-Fri 24 May, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, SW3.