General > RHS Question & Answer

Chelsea Flower Show 2007

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Obelixx:
I went to Chelsea last year after a 15 year break and was pleasantly surprised.  The limited numbers per day makes a real difference and, as it opens at 8:30am you could get round and see the most popular features by midday and not be squashed.  The only place I had to queue was to see Chris Beardshaw's garden and that was only about 15 minutes.  There was a lady in a wheelchair and he invited her in for a closer view and a chat.  After lunch they had queuecontrol systems in operation.

I've never come across the snooty element mentioned in other posts and have to say good and bad manners are not confined to any particular stratum of society.   As for the cost - they have to cover the use of the land, the setting up of all the facilities and security, insurance, services, publicity, staff on the day and to prepare it all, more staff to restore the place to how it was before the show......

norfolklass:
my mum and I went to Chelsea in 2003 and it was the first time for both of us (her birthday present). it was lovely but SO busy, people people everywhere and no escape! if they've since restricted numbers I'm sure it's much better.

we went to Hampton Court last year and we both much preferred it. because the venue's bigger there don't seem to be as many people and we got to see every garden, something we didn't manage at Chelsea because of the enormous queues. the marquees were much less busy too, they were horrendous at Chelsea.

apart from the gardens, and the thousands of loverly plants and plant-related things to spend your money on, the best bit was sitting down on the grass eating freshly cooked fish and chips with a Frank Sinatra sound-a-like serenading us from the bandstand!

Froglegs:


I've never come across the snooty element mentioned in other posts    As for the cost - they have to cover the use of the land, the setting up of all the facilities and security, insurance, services, publicity, staff on the day and to prepare it all, more staff to restore the place to how it was before the show......
[/quote]
Ya must of seen them big hats dark sunglasses small nervous looking husband in tow  ::),still think £30 plus for the the privilege of spending more money is to much. :(

mc55:
hmm, I was quite keen to go, but not sure now I've read the above threads ... I'm not a member, so would need to go on a public day - are they more crowded ?

My OH is a photographer and he thought he might try and get a press pass for the day ... although don't think he's done anything about it yet.

Obelixx:
I think the numbers allowed each day are the same whether members' days or public.  The trick is to get there early in the day.  Most people who buy the all day ticket seem to tun up between 10 and 11 am and then the half day people pile in from 3:30.  If you get there for the 8:30 opening you could see the whole lot with no crowds at all.

It has to be worth going at least once in your life if you're mad on plants and gardens.

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