RHS Chelsea Flower Show 24th - 28th May 2011

The world’s most famous flower show this year brought surprise and diversity. From the fantasy Irish Sky Garden by Diarmuid Gavin suspended 82 ft above our heads to the inspirational Best in Show garden by Cleve West for the Daily Telegraph based on the Roman ruins of Libya. There was glamour from the Monaco Garden while in the B&Q Garden – the highest garden ever built at Chelsea – the 30ft-tall allotment garden was filled with fruit, vegetables and edible flowers and had a wind column and solar panels for green energy. It was all wonderful escapism while at the same time, in and outside of the Main Marquee, there was a horticultural feast for our eyes and inspiration for us to take home.

Simon was delighted to be given the honour for the third year running of designing the backdrop for the Chelsea Florist of the Year competition in the floristry section of the main marquee. This year there was an equestrian theme. The setting was entitled "A Day At The Races" and featured a beautiful willow horse suspended over a jump of box hedge. This was surrounded by the most imaginative display of jockey's colours into which many a Young Florist had put a stunning amount of work.

Over in the Talking Flowers marquee Simon demonstrated daily with his usual flair and brilliance. It was floral showmanship at its best. To packed audiences, Simon thoroughly enjoyed creating a strong black and vivid green display followed by a more romantic decoration of soft pinks and blousey whites. To see a fantastic series of photos, please click on this link which will take you to Rona Wheeldon's blog. Rona is inspired by all things floral and her blogs are always fun to read and full of helpful hints.

http://flowerona.com/2011/05/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2011-part-4-simon-lycett/

One of the highlights of Simon's Chelsea week, and hopefully to the viewers of BBC1, was an instructive demonstration with the gorgeous Nicki Chapman. Having gained some top tips from Simon, it was over to Nicki to create a decoration similiar to the one Simon had just put together in front of our eyes with such ease. And then the finale which was a new experience for Simon and, probably, to JLS too when the popular group were instructed how to create their very own hand tie! Their efforts were shown on The One Show on Friday 27th May when Simon was asked to give a medal to the winner who was, by a clear rose bloom, Marvin!

The 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show certainly stood alone in it's very own category BEST IN SHOW!

Click HERE to visit the RHS website

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