The Chelsea Flower Show event is the most famous horticultural affair in the world in all probability and takes place every May. This year the Chelsea Flower Show event is held rather unsurprisingly in Chelsea in the grounds of the Royal Hospital.

Flower show history
Originally known as the Great Spring Show the event was first held in Kensington in 1862 – although the Chelsea Flower Show moved to its current location in 1913.

Exhibitions
The show features around 600 exhibitors in total – coming from as far away as Sri Lanka, Jamaica, South Africa, Germany and Australia to name just a few. Exhibits at the Chelsea Flower show are judged by specialist panels and awarded Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze medals.

Show stats
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show will features around 600 exhibitors, including 50 gardens and 100 exhibitors, and top designers exhibiting 2007 included Jinny Bloom, Marcus Barnett and Sarah Eberle.

The sell off
One of the biggest events of the show is the sell off on the last day. As all the visitors and exhibitors have to leave the grounds, exhibitors sell off many of their displays and products. Be sure to take note of what you want to buy (some sellers will even reserve for you) and that you have the means to get it home.

The 2008 Chelsea Flower Show takes place from Tuesday 20th May - Saturday 24 May 2008. Show open hours are 8am - 8pm. The sell off begins at 4pm on Saturday 24th and the show closes at 5:30pm.

To book hospitality tickets for the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show, click on the link below.Tickets range from £13.00 - £46.00 for RHS members and £18.00 - £41.00 for non members.

For further information and booking call 0870 906 3780 (members) or 0870 906 3781 (non members).