‘It's the tonic we need'

Presenter Nicki Chapman tells us how the Chelsea Flower Show will still flourish in lockdown

- Hannah Davies

While all major events have been cancelled amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the world’s most prestigious horticultural show is still taking place – virtually!

Although we won’t get to see the actual event, or the stunning show gardens and dazzling displays that the Chelsea Flower Show is famous for, there will still be the usual floral fabulousness, as our favourite gardeners and presenters join us remotely to celebrate the best of the festival over the past decade.

‘I really think virtual Chelsea will be the tonic everybody needs,’ smiles presenter Nicki Chapman, 53, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive video chat.

‘Gardeners and horticulturalists have been telling us for years that green space is important for our mental well-being, so it’s come at the right time.’

The show is also offering the chance for viewers to get involved with a vote for the Garden of the Decade in the People’s Choice award. Plus there’s the usual gardening advice from the experts, including Adam Frost, Carol Klein, Toby Buckland and Arit Anderson.

Here, Nicki tells us more…

How is the Chelsea Flower Show going to work this year?

Everybody’s working from home and where possible we aren’t using any crew at all. Some people have got their family members helping them out, so Arit’s got some lovely pieces with her kids, who’ve learned directing and how to use the camera! I’ve also done some Zoom filming with Toby where he gives us a tour around his peaceful garden in Devon, while I’m in mine in west London with sirens in the background!

With no actual event, what else can we expect to see?