The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

This year’s Chelsea flower show was one of the best ever! Not only did it commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, it was also one of the brightest and boldest to date.

As one of the biggest and most historic horticultural events in the world, the show has been a key date on the calendar for gardeners since 1913.

Before the show was opened to the general public, the Queen herself, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were greeted at the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea by organisers.

Among the tributes for her majesty were a beautiful floral archway and a memorable poppy tribute by Phillip Johnson, much like the one featured outside the Tower of London.

Later in the week, the general public were invited to take in some of the stunning scenery, including The British Eccentrics Garden, The RHS Gardens for Health, Happiness and Horticulture and an additional abundance of weird and wonderful exhibits.

Enjoyed by over 150,000 people each year, the show also gives awards for the best gardens in show, including an array of other awards for young gardeners and tradespeople.

And this year we’re delighted to say that we were one of the winners of a Gold Star Tradestand Award.

Di Limam, Managing Director at Gabriel Ash said;

‘‘As always there were a few hiccups along the way, but we worked as hard as ever.

‘‘It took two weeks for us to set up the exhibit this year.

‘‘Yet again we decided to show an array of stunning greenhouses including the Portico and Hyde Hall as well as our ever popular Upright Coldframe and Baby Grand Cold Frame pieces. Finishing off with our cedar water butt and various planters.’’

‘‘We are overjoyed with the award and it’s testament to the team here at Gabriel Ash.’’

Other winners from the showcase event included;

Best Show Garden: The Telegraph Garden

Andy Sturgeon’s ‘Captured Landscape’ garden was inspired by the magnitude of geological events that have shaped and moulded our landscape over millions of years. This garden was about perspective of both time and scale.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

 gardentravelhub.com

Dramatic bronze fins represent an ancient mountain range with a stream of melt water running in the gorge below.

The planting is warm and semi-arid, echoing the chaparral of California’s Sierra Madre and the and the foothills of Chile’s Andes.

This is the record eighth time the Telegraph has won this award.

BBC / RHS People’s Choice Award

God’s Own Country – A Garden for Yorkshire by Matthew Wilson was made to showcase the country’s wealth of stunning scenery, iconic heritage, deep rooted industries and skilled tradespeople.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

 jannaschreier.com

Inspired by the medieval Great East Window at York Minster (which is nearing the end of a 10 year restoration), the garden features a 5 x 3m panel of stained glass – made using the same methods employed in 1405.

Despite its ancient inspiration, the garden mixes old and new, with state of the art technology used in the construction of the garden buildings alongside the 600 years of living history from the York glaziers and stonemasons.  

Planting on the upper level celebrates woodland gardens, while the central perennial planting is designed to echo the stained glass effect on the minster.

There was also awards for Young Florist of the Year, Best Floral Arrangement Exhibit, The Diamond Jubilee Award and individual Gold, silver and bronze awards.

For a list of all winners, check out the RHS Chelsea Flower Show website.