Roy Lancaster
Plantsman
Plantsman, writer, lecturer and broadcaster Roy Lancaster has travelled all over the world on plant exploration trips, including expeditions to Nepal and China. He is a familiar figure on TV gardening programmes and a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's Question Time. A member of the RHS for almost 40 years, he was awarded an OBE for services to horticulture in 1999.
RHS How long have you been going to Chelsea?
Roy Lancaster Since 1960.
RHS What do you enjoy most about Chelsea?
RL The plants, the plantspeople and the surprises.
RHS Best Chelsea experience?
RL Staging my own E. H. Wilson Tribute Exhibition to mark the centenary of his birth in 1976.
RHS What kind of garden do you have at home?
RL I have a plantsman's suburban garden.
RHS What's you favourite plant or planting combination?
RL My favourite plant, at this time, is Paris japonica.
RHS What's your favourite style of garden design?
RL My favourite style of garden is informal, woodland, romantic.
RHS Your top tip for surviving Chelsea?
RL Arrive as early as you can.
RHS What do you do once Chelsea week is over?
RL Take time to recover from all I have seen.
RHS The Chelsea Flower Show in five words?
RL Big, busy, exhausting, exhilarating, unmissable.