Press releases

Space theme emerging at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

March 14 2007

The planetary system, cosmos, time travel and star gazing are set to take the world’s most famous flower show to another dimension! For the first time in its 84-year history of being held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, space, astrology and science fiction is a significant theme at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by Marshalls plc. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place on 22-26 May 2007 (22 & 23 May RHS members only; 22 May all-day tickets now sold out). Tickets must be booked in advance on or at www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows.

Garden designer Sarah Eberle, who was awarded an RHS Gold Medal for her garden last year, is creating a terrestrial space garden located on planet Mars. Situated within an assumed dome, ‘600 Days with Bradstone’ belongs to an astronaut on a 600-day tour. The garden was researched for eight years with input from the European Space Agency and studies suggest that all the plants could grow on Mars.

Alien bugs will need to beware; for the first time a TARDIS will take centre-stage in The Great Pavilion in Cardiff County Council’s Doctor Who themed exhibit. ‘A Garden in Time’ contrasts a 1960s urban garden (when Dr Who was first on our screens) with a modern day garden, with emphasis on sustainability, recycling and climate change.

The sky is the limit for ‘The DHL Sun Chariot Garden’, which includes a large semi-circular oak seat that swings into the sun or shade at a press of a button. This roof garden is a celebration of the Sun Chariot, a 3400 year old bronze statue, which depicts the belief that the sun was pulled across the heavens by a horse drawn chariot.

Other small gardens that continue the space crusade include ‘The Transit of Venus’, where the shape, plants, colours and features relate to astronomy, light and science and ‘Ad astra per aspera’ (To the stars through adversity), which is a roof-top observatory designed to pursue an interest in astronomy. In the garden accessories section of Chelsea, Telescopes of Vermont is blending fine art with stargazing with a bronze reproduction of the Porter Garden Telescope, which made history when it was created in the early 1920s.

Alexandra Baulkwill, Show Manager, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, said: “The RHS doesn’t prescribe any particular themes, but different trends, such as this one, often emerge. Chelsea is designed to inspire, excite and delight; it’s great that one of this year’s themes is completely new to the Show and is providing some really interesting and educational stories as well as fabulous displays. Chelsea is renowned for being the greatest flower show in the world; I think that this year we can say in the universe!”

Visitors to the show will be offered a wealth of gardening ideas, with fabulous Show Gardens, inspirational Small Gardens and vibrant displays from over 100 of the world’s best nurseries and specialist growers to enjoy. Those wishing to learn and discover some of the wonders of horticulture must see the Lifelong Learning exhibits within the Great Pavilion. Added to that, displays of desirable gardening products, the latest plant launches, Floral Design, Floristry and expert gardening advice, make the RHS Chelsea Flower Show the ultimate event for gardeners.

Notes to Editors

For more information contact Hayley Monckton in the RHS Press Office on 0207 821 3045 or e-mail hayleymonckton@rhs.org.uk

Photographs of the 2006 RHS Chelsea Flower Show are available to download at www.papicselect.com Publications can register online and download images free of charge.

Please note: Press pass application forms for the 2007 RHS Flower Shows can be downloaded from www.rhs.org.uk/press.

For full details of RHS Chelsea Flower Show visit www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2007

22 - 26 May 2007 (22 & 23 RHS members only)
In the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London SW3

Ticket Hotline (Public): 0870 247 1226
RHS show information: 020 7649 1885
Online bookings and show info: www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea

Ticket prices range from £12.50 - £44
All tickets must be bought in advance

The proceeds taken from events help to fund the many activities undertaken by the RHS to promote horticulture and help gardeners.

www.rhs.org.uk/pressoffice

The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. RHS work includes providing expert advice and information, advancing horticulture, training the next generation of gardeners, helping school children learn about plants, and conducting research into plants, pests and environmental issues affecting gardeners.

An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk or call 0845 130 4646.

Founded in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society is Britain's largest gardening charity and is committed to being the leading organisation demonstrating excellence in horticulture and promoting gardening. Renowned for its outstanding gardens and inspirational flower shows, the RHS is a key source of advice and information for all gardeners. It encourages gardening through its publications, trials, lectures, education programmes and scientific research and is home to the Lindley Library, which contains the most comprehensive collection of horticultural books in the world.

Membership of the Royal Horticultural Society offers many exclusive benefits including a monthly copy of The Garden magazine; free entrance to RHS Gardens Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire; free access to a further 88 beautiful gardens across Britain and 20 gardens in Belgium and France; access to seeds collected at RHS gardens; free gardening advice and privileged tickets to 18 RHS flower shows, including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

For further enquiries about membership of the RHS contact: Membership Department, Royal Horticultural Society, PO Box 313, London SW1P 2PE; 0845 130 4646 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm or via the RHS website

For more information e-mail the Press Office or visit the online Press Office