Selected highlights of the Great Pavilion at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show – 19-23 May

The Great Pavilion is the jewel in the crown of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and in 2009 it’s set to sparkle brightly. New plants, creative displays, and a profusion of perfect blooms will create the explosion of colours and scents which, year after year, is many show visitors’ favourite experience. The 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by Marshalls, takes place on 19-23 May 2009 (19-20 May: RHS members only). Tickets must be bought in advance at www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows or by calling 0844 209 0363.

The Great Pavilion boasts thousands of blooms, creating spectacular displays and this year won’t disappoint;  Bloms Bulbs will be showing 13000 cut flower tulips, with varieties ranging from the 17th century to the present day; Winchester growers will create a bold statement with a magnificent display of dahlias; whilst Tynings Climbers will offer visitors the chance to see their national collection of Passiflora – a species which normally flowers outdoors in summer, but which Tynings coaxes into fully glory in May.

For the gardener who wants to be a step ahead of his neighbours, a visit to the Great Pavilion will provide the first glimpse at a plethora of new plants. Named as the plant breeders’ favourite place to launch new varieties, the Great Pavilion has debuted nearly 500 new plants and flowers over the last seven years. Amongst others, visitors should look out for David Austin Roses who will be tempting gardeners with four new varieties of rose including Rosa The Wedgwood Rose (‘Ausjosiah’) with its grapefruit scent, and Rosa Tam o’ Shanter (‘Auscerise’) which boasts cerise pink double blooms; Broadleigh Gardens who will be launching Iris ‘Broadleigh Fenella’; and Hillier Nurseries who will be launching the latest in the Sweet Delights range, Heuchera ‘Tiramisu’.

Showing that there is even more to the Great Pavilion than the spectacle of perfect plants, many exhibitors use their creative displays to tell a story, and this year water will play a strong role in the Great Pavilion. Gateshead Council is working with fashion designer Wayne Hemmingway to create a display that highlights the importance of water recycling and the role of water as part of a healthy lifestyle. Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with Newington Nurseries, will create an “underwater” display to represent the marine life of the Caymanian waters; whilst the National Association of Floral Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) will create a floral arrangement that will appear to be floating on water. The Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009, will be represented by the Wessex and Jersey members of the group.

www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows