Staff Writer
As the calendar flips over to the end of May, spring is meant to truly be in the air as summer laps upon its heels. The hint of new life, longer days, the temperature rising and the smell of flowers blooming – these are the things that are meant to be greeting us each morning. Well, here in London, at least two out of four is not too bad.
The end of May also brings the world famous annual Chelsea Flower Show and singer, Lily Allen, was just one of the many British celebs to venture around the gardens during the showcase on Monday (20 May) ahead of the Show’s opening on the 21st. However, not all visitors receive the honour that awaited the “Smile” singer.
While walking through the exhibits, Allen came face-to-face with her floral namesake, the Lily Allen Popstar, on display. This lily is an orange hybrid with hints of black that was first seen at the show in 2010, according to E!.
This year, 2013, marks the centenary of the Show. The 5 day event (21-25 May) welcomes the world to the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital in south west London to experience breathtaking exhibit gardens and displays. The Flower Show is also well-known for his royal patronage, with members of the royal family always attending a showcase the day before it opens. Also in attendance at Monday’s viewing was Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Prince Charles who were given a special guided tour of one of the exhibit’s, Prince Harry’s own Harry’s Forget-Me-Not Garden, named after his African children’s charity, Sentebale.
The Flower Show is almost as well known for its anti coloured sculptures policy (ie no garden gnomes) as it is for its flowers. But in an unprecedented turn, this year is the first time that garden gnomes have been allowed in. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) who puts on the show, have unveiled over 100 gnomes that will grace this year’s gardens, all painted by celebrities to be auctioned off at the end of the Show for charity. Some of the artists include Elton John, Dolly Parton, Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Fans of gnomes should enjoy them while they can as next year they go back to being persona non grata.
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