On to the Chelsea Flower Show, and Classic English Gardens!

The original group left the land of bagpipes, kilts and whisky for England. They tossed their wool sweaters and wellies to enjoy some sunshine and much warmer temperatures. At Gatwick airport a few travelers departed, and a small group replaced them for the final leg of the journey.

The next four days were packed with visits to some of the most prestigious gardens surrounding London, plus a full day at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Our first stop was Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Prolific writer, Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson built a garden there starting in 1930. It is exactly what you think of when you hear the words “English Garden”, complete with a castle, garden rooms, and the famous white garden. The Delos Garden stood apart with its Mediterranean style. It was designed by the couple based on their visits to Greece, restored in 2021 by Dan Pearson and offered lots of inspiration. 

Later that first day we made our way to Great Dixter in East Sussex. For those of us who have a love affair with Chanticleer, Great Dixter felt familiar in its exuberance and creativity. In fact, the two gardens have collaborated in various ways. There was a plant combination to love every few feet in these truly beautiful gardens. A highlight was the opportunity to talk briefly with Fergus Garrett, the garden’s famous (maybe infamous) head gardener.

The Highlight: Chelsea Flower Show

Day 2 in England was a full day at the Chelsea Flower Show, a bucket list item for many of us. It is hard to explain the experience that is Chelsea. Picture 80% of the women in beautiful floral dresses. Picture groundbreaking exhibits; overflowing with originality and inspiration. Picture a massive tent brimming with displays from the most famous and skilled propagators and growers in the world. It was absolutely brilliant!

Photo: fallen tree sculpted into Mother Nature, alongside a celebration of wild green spaces. at the heart of Sarah Eberle’s garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Also brilliant was Chelsea Blooms. Wow! In the town of Chelsea where block after block is lined with expensive shops, each store decorated their storefront with vibrant floral displays to honor the show. It was fascinating to explore both the main and side streets in search of the next Wow! moment.

Three more gardens were on the agenda. On Day 3 we visited Munstead Wood and RHS Garden Wisley. Munstead Wood is the home and garden of Gertrude Jekyll. HPS member, garden writer and lecturer, Jenny Rose Carey, arranged for our group to have a private tour. Many of us had goosebumps thinking we were walking in the footsteps of Jekyll. After her death in 1932, the home (designed by Edwin Lutyens) and garden was sold and in private hands until it was purchased in 2023 by the National Trust. An extremely dedicated group of gardeners has been doing the work of restoration.

RHS Wisley is 240 acres containing a large variety of garden styles. From Wisteria Walk to the Pinetum, to the Oudolf Landscape and the Alpine Display House, there was something for every gardener. Plus, a focus on sustainability that offered planet-friendly ideas to bring home.

The final day was spent at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. This visit brought home the love that the British people have for gardening. The scale of the gardens and the range of rare plants from around the world was exceptional. A special exhibit of sculptures by Henry Moore called Monumental Nature placed his work throughout the garden and was a real juxtaposition of modern art and traditional landscapes.

A whirlwind trip, only 4 days long, brought joy and beauty into our lives. A special thank you to our HPS tour organizers Dawn Freeman and Jill Shaw, and to Julie Corden from Brightwater Holidays for a such a memorable trip!