I think my favorite garden was the Tourism Malaysia exhibit; I really liked the clean sculptural lines of the architectural elements, with the repeating columns/arcade leading to the seating area within the water feature having some rich symoblism of Islamic/Persian/Moghul garden designs. I also appreciated the clean lines of the water walls dripping with plants and a subtle use of water rather than over the top impressive. I could well imagine myself enjoying such a garden as a retreat from worldly pressures and intrigues. It is a bit hard to really judge some of the other gardens with their super elaborate/complex plantings, but in photos so many come across as just too busy/not natural. I prefer my plantings more structured and obviously designed. Perhaps in person I'd react differently. Diarmuid Gavin's Pod Design struck me as the grand gesture, and I wonder how many people actually got to experience it from above. Apparently it only took 6 people at a time, and was inoperative if there was any wind. In my view, it was theater and high drama, but didn't move me in the same way that Malaysia's garden did. As to comparative costs, nothing compares to Chelsea, but grand display gardens at the San Francisco Show that also depend on lots of structure can also easily be more than a $100,000. The one display garden I worked on for the SF Bromeliad Society depended heavily on plants lent by members, and specimen background plants lent from local nurseries, and all the time to design/install/take-down was volunteered time as well. The really difficult part is that many of these shows have such a short window for installation, in SF's case, it is only 4 days for installation and 5 days of actual show.

I don't think you can have a positive ID without something closer. Blue Star Creeper, Laurentia , is used along patios. The flowers are very pale . Here is a link that might be useful: Laurentia fluviatilis

Look at the RHS web site. They can tell you how to buy them. Royal Horticulture Society. Also if you just show up, there are people the gate selling their tikets, maybe a few pounds over, but worth it. I was there last year, and loved it. Would like to go again this year, buty I dont know yet. Good luck. Vince

Actually you could do both, although the roses at Kew weren't fully out. Went to Chelsea for the first time. It was unbelievable! We spent 6 hours there and never felt rushed or jostled. Had a wonderful lunch and a Pims! The veggie displays are so unique. Overhead walkways give a great view. We joined the RHS so we could go on Members only day. Worth the $60 fee as you also get a year's subscription to the RHS magazine. A big plus on Chelsea, No childen under 5 which means NO baby buggies!! A highlight was meeting Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock of Ground Force. Even had a photo with them! Chelsea is a huge event, almost like the Super Bowl here. Every night there would be an hour long day's highlights on TV. Having been to England before, we planned our own trip. We were there for 10 days, long enough to do whatever we wanted. Less expensive and most leisurely than a tour and you have some awesome resturants in the Kensington area where we stayed, overlooking Kensington Palace. Took the tube, bus and train everywhere with a travel pass, another great bargain. Get the one that allows use before 9:30am. Kensington is a great central location and only one unpacking!! Went to other gardens, Sissinghurst, Kew etc using discount admission on our RHS membership. We went to Hampton Court, a beautiful town in Richmond. Next time I'd like to go to that flower show which is in July, so that might be a better time for you. Have fun, I'm sure you will!