These are very nice photos, Robert! We also went to the Chelsea on Friday, or rather I went, because our little boy wasn't allowed to go, so my husband took him for a visit to my cousin in London while I roamed the grounds of the Chelsea. They had a lot of fun and so had I. The show was impressive, but it also looked like a great migration, there must have been tens of thousands of people on the ground and it was sometimes hard to get a foot on the floor, never mind taking a decent picture without either me being in someone's way or someone being in my way (or really both of the above at once). We went back to the Chelsea today (!) to buy some roses at their sell-off, and I got 4 from the Beales stand (DA doesn't sell). There were also fewer people, but the plant sell off, as much fun as it is, can also be a bit stressful, at least at the Beales stand which seemed beleaguered by everyone and their brothers and sisters. They were really one of the major attractions at the show. Their staff was really great, they always remained friendly and professional, and I got what I wanted. I thought that they were by far one of the most beautiful and impressive ones with its use of color and vertical space. I liked the Beales a lot better than DA's rather flat display where he showcased his beautiful but, as Robert already said, rather floppy Wedgwood Rose. I love DA's roses, but somehow, the exhibit lacked creativity, although it was also very popular and as a consequence much too crowded. However, DA only won silver-gilt for their exhibit, while Beales got the gold, fully deserved! http://www.classicroses.co.uk/articles/major_awards_won/gold_medal_at_rhs_chelsea_flower_show_09_for_peter_beales.html This is what I got from Beales: Purple Skyliner, a lovely violet repeat flowering rambler, so cute! Rural England, a light pink continous flowering multiflora rambler, looked so pretty together with their Purple Skyliner on their gates Sir Paul Smith, a nice smelling climber, cerise pink with silvery reverse, it looked outstanding on their pillars. And then the biggest coup of sorts. I managed to get one of the very few new introductions Beales actually sold after telling everyone first that they wouldn't sell (but then they did for a horrendously high price, you really don't want to know). it was their showcase rose, a bicolor deep purple-red climber, Highgrove. Highgrove is such a beautiful rose, I couldn't resist. The plant they gave me looks terrific, big, healthy, and with a quite a few flowers and buds on it. Getting this one made me really happy: http://www.classicroses.co.uk/roses/h/highgrove.html Good work, Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed the show too! I took a lot of pics too, will post later on a separate thread, if that's ok. Andrea Here is a link that might be useful: Highgrove

My experience, 10 years ago, may not be relevant today. We had tickets for a Thursday, more specifically Thursday afternoon, I believe 2 PM. The Flower Show was definitely over booked. As we waited in a brick alleyway til the gate opened, it became quite crowded. Inside movement was elbow-to-elbow throughout. Please take the time to see the landscape projects. They are just like the video presentations, but more so. I am glad to have attended the event, but next time I will join the RHS so as to attend on an earlier day. A beautiful area of London is Chelsea. What is so special are the people of England. Very courteous and friendly! This posting really brings back so many truly wonderful memories. The buses, the tube, the taxis (I would love to have one), museums, galleries, train rides out of town, boating to Kew, musicals, etc... I think I will look into a trip there soon, I can't think of a better place to go!

Stephanie. I went to Chelsea last year. The show is organized by the RHS. The official booklet gives the following info: www.rhs.org.uk, phone 0171-834-4333, fax 0171-630-6060. Hope this helps.

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!