Blooming again at CHELSEA

Green fingers at the ready as the most famous flower show in the world returns to its traditional slot in the calendar

- TERRI DOYLE

The pandemic bumped last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show into September, but this year normal service has resumed. From 24-28 May, real-life showgoers plus millions of TV viewers will be able to enjoy the much-loved annual horticultural treat once more.

Garden inspiration

Up to 142,000 visitors are expected to attend the five-day show, all eager to see 39 gardens that represent the very best in current design. And, with this year's focus on native hedgerow, woodland and meadow plants, it's hoped that the public will be inspired to transform their own green spaces into wildlife-friendly havens.

While there's always plenty to see, it's the Show Gardens that draw the crowds and make the headlines. Built from scratch in just 19 days, and as large as 10 x 22m, they're a feast for the eyes and a feat of engineering. Past entries have included an 80ft-tall scaffolding pyramid with different gardens on each level; a representation of the Chatsworth House landscape, complete with rocks, boulders and flowing stream; and a garden for astronauts chilling out on Mars!