Who did we spot at Chelsea?
If the rare plants and fantastic flowers weren’t enough to bring the nation’s paparazzi through the gates of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, there were plenty of other subjects for their long and short lenses. Actors, presenters, pop stars and more had the snappers in a frenzy throughout the day, delighting exhibitors, press and meandering visitors with their familiar faces.
There are a few ways to spot a celebrity at Chelsea; first of all there is a photo call list of famous (and not so famous) celebrities endorsing new plant launches, garden openings and more.
Next you look for clusters of photographers around the showground, there’s no pap without a celeb nearby and sometimes you can sneak in and get a picture and maybe have a word.
Finally you might simply walk by a famous person as they enjoy the pleasures of the show.
This year at Chelsea the showground was literally buzzing with film stars, pop stars and celebrity chefs, enjoying or sheltering from the sun.
Ringo Starr is keen gardener and a frequent visitor to Chelsea and was spotted wandering around the marquee and on Main Avenue. “For me Chelsea means a great day out. It’s exciting to see all the plants and gardens.” The poor man can’t go anywhere without a lens being thrust in his face.
Dame Helen Mirren was looking as elegant and photogenic as ever and was seen enjoying the HESCO garden.
Jamie Oliver was busy at this year’s Chelsea; he opened the Children Society’s Garden, baking pizzas in the clay oven, hot work in such sweltering weather. He was also assisting his friend Herb Queen Jekka McVicar as she launched her new herbal cookbook.
There wasn’t a lack of smiley faces, despite the heat. Bill Bailey was quipping about eating flies as he promoted the fly eating nepenthes on the Borneo Exotics stand in the Great Pavillion.
Christopher Biggens was also spotted among the fabulous floral displays. Visitors to the show were treated to a private recital of some old and new poems from Punk Poet John Cooper Clark. He was in fantastic form on Tom Hoblyn’s garden on Main Avenue and his performance drew quite an appreciative crowd.
Bill Oddie was in great form on the World Land Trust stand in the Continuous Learning Section of the Great Pavilion, highlighting the plight of the world’s rainforest and spreading the message to gardeners, but he did have some pretty strong grievances to air. “It’s always been my complaint and I’ve been to Chelsea several times and I do love it, but I come out thinking there are not enough gnomes, in fact there probably aren’t any.” Perched on a log in a rainforest setting you could almost believe that this was in fact, a very personal quest.