An abundance of roses

I’m a relatively new convert to roses, since our cycle trip to the Loire in fact. Before that I’d never really seen their appeal, or rather smelt their appeal. But on that holiday the scent got under my nose, and I started to get it. I don’t have the greatest sense of smell, which I always say to MOH is to his advantage, but even since I’ve learn the roses scent (that sounds better than smell), it’s one that’s stayed with me and I can sniff it out. Not quite a thousand paces, but it’s definitely identifiable, even in a tent full of flowers.

That tent was the Grand Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show. But just look at the roses, and how inviting does that bench look?

Roses and a bench to enjoy them from

There were roses everywhere, including these arches.

rose arches at RHS Chelsea in 2018.jpg

And roses clambering over and through ‘abandoned’ stone walls. We know it’s in a tent (or pavilion) but how effective is this, and wouldn’t it be great to incorporate some old architecture like this into our own gardens, just to fill it up with roses?

Roses climbing through stone features in the grand pavilion

If you weren’t convinced before, then this surely has to help?

roses and ruins couldn't look any prettier

Once again nature demonstrates that not everything has to be colour coordinated, with the various shades of roses looking great together. I think sometimes we get a bit too caught up on having everything matching, or matchy-matchy as I often call it.

Pink roses of all colours
Su Pollard whose personality shone through

It was at this stand that I bumped into Su Pollard, who was all too happy to post for a photo as you can see. She was lovely, completely zany, and full of life. I think that comes through in the photo too! And also a fan of roses it seems, not sure I’d wear them in my hair, but her bag now that’s a different matter…

Balls of flowers

Last week I promised you actual flowers for this Friday’s post, and here they are. They’re from inside the Great Pavilion at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, I don’t remember which stand, but when I saw them as I was sorting through my photos I knew they were just right for this post. The bouquet or arrangement grabs your attention doesn’t it, but look more closely at the inset in the display base, and you’ll see a variety of bulbs that are in various states of growth. That’s the thing about bulbs, like seeds, they’re programmed to grow.

Looking down on a ball of flowers at Chelsea in 2018

The ‘ball’ above were part of a larger display that is way beyond my flower arranging skills, but let’s be honest, it’s a fairly low bar. Displaying the spheres on open shelving is an interesting approach, and one I like. The dangly bits in the photos are from the orchids, we’re used to seeing them curled up in pots.

An unusual way to display the flower balls

The pastel arrangement behind the spheres was huge, and goodness knows how many flowers it contains. It’s style is quite in contrast to the spheres, and I have to admit the one below with its bright colours is definitely my favourite.

Bursting with colour at Chelsea 2018

Flowers, really do just make you smile don’t they? These definitely do. Sigh.

Floral thrones, of course

Prepare to be amazed. And potentially a little bit bemused. This post will show you flower arranging at its greatest, quite where the inspiration comes for these fabulous creations I’m not sure, but it was great to wander amongst them and admire them in the Pavilion at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

A row of floral thrones at the 2018 chelsea flower show
hearts and crowns on this floral throne from RHS Chelsea 2018

I like the yellows and purples of the one above, as well as its heart-shaped addition at the top of the back. Imagine if you were to sit on this (and I’m not sure I’d advise that) the heart would be just above your crown, because of course you’d have to be wearing a crown, wouldn’t you? In fact the one below, has an evergreen crown woven into its bold design.

bright yellows, oranges and pinks on this floral throne at rhs chelsea

What is amazing is the variations among them. The flamboyance and the variety of colours and approaches used. The one below has a more practical solution for its occupant to avoid a flower squishing situation, although I’m not convinced it would be any more comfortable.

pink flowers of almost every type in this floral throne

I remember being amazed at the number of entries, and while the theme was floral thrones, the armchair version was a favourite.

More of an armchair covered in flowers than a throne
A canopied throne at the Chelsea Flower Show

The canopied version was much more regal, and I loved the colours of its flowers.

Pastel blooms for the final floral throne from last year's chelsea flower show

And it just goes to show that with a few logs from the garden and plenty of imagination, we all could have something just as spectacular, although in my case I think I’d settle for colourful as I’m not sure I could match any of this magnificence.

Hands up, whose garden will be supporting a floral throne this summer?