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The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the first event of the summer season and showcases the finest examples of horticultural excellence, created by the best garden designers, plantsmen and plantswomen. It sets the latest gardening trends, is plant breeders favourite place to launch new plants and features the newest and most desirable gardening products.
Designers from across the globe create around 20 show gardens, which create the impact and spectacle that Chelsea is renowned for.
The smaller gardens, which often act as a platform for up and coming designers, are split into four different categories - the stylish and bold chic gardens, courtyard gardens, which are for rural or semi-rural settings, roof gardens and city gardens, which are sanctuaries for urban dwellers.
Within the Great Pavilion more than 100 floral displays create a vision of colours and textures and an explosion of scents. Specialist nurseries and leading exhibitors from all over the world go to great lengths to ensure their blooms are at their very best for show week.
Visitors can pick up a wide range of gardening accessories, and many new gardening products make their debut at the show. Those wishing to learn and discover some of the latest scientific developments in horticulture must see the Lifelong Learning exhibits within the Great Pavilion. The latest trends in floral art and floristry can also be seen at the show.
Full details on the show - exhibitors and general show information - will be available once we have them. Here is the Evening Standard's Chelsea Flower Show Survival Guide...
Shoes: There is, quite simply, nothing more important than wearing the right footwear. Wear comfortable shoes and forget stilettoes - you might find yourself stuck in the mud during one of Chelsea's infamous downpours and Diarmuid Gavin is not going come and pull you out.
Be weather prepared: Carry a light raincoat but don't take an umbrella - some of those Gloucestershire matrons don't take kindly to being poked in the shin by a brolly.
Plan ahead: Buy your catalogue in advance - it can be ordered along with your tickets - and then use the map inside to plan your day.
Local knowledge: A little goes a long way. For instance, the loos in Western Avenue often have shorter queues.
Water: Carry a couple of bottles to avoid shelling out for some overpriced bottled stuff of dubious provenance.
Plant Societies' Stands: Don't forget to visit them - you can get specialist advice and find some interesting rarities.
Credit card: Take one if you cannot resist being the first to buy new varieties. On second thoughts, leave it behind.
Get there early: Doors open at 8am, and it is soon crowded. (We suggest you stay the night before in London so you are as fresh as a daisy for the day ahead.)
Tact: Try to avoid saying out loud things like, "My six-year-old could have done better." The person next to you is probably the designer.
Bun fight: If you are feeling strong, try the plant sale at the end of the show. It is signalled by a bell at 4pm and makes the Harrods sale look like a walk in the park. But check what you are buying is in good condition.
When: Thursday 22 May, Friday 23 May, 8am-8pm; Saturday 24 May, 8am-5.30pm.
Where: Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square.
Entrances: Royal Hospital Road and Chelsea Embankment. Don't take the car - parking is very limited.
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