A rather blustery few days, which won't please the show gardeners, trying to keep their flowers and plants in order. A cool start with a few showers about but improving later in the week.
Update Tues 19th - Warmth will be taking hold. Should be drying out, warming up but with a fair amount of cloud. Where the sun breaks through up into the high teens.
Monday
It started off wet this morning at SW3, but has improved. Prince Harry has already had a look around; the media are there for the Press day and a fair scattering of celebs. Gates open to RHS members tomorrow and Weds with tickets for the Public all sold out Thursday – Saturday. The Queen of course will be visiting too, she’s on her way.
RHS's Plant of the Year has been announced. Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise', Japanese Snowball Bush. White blooms on a hardy shrub, so low maintenance, and its green foliage turns to shades of burnt orange and gold in the autumn. It also has shinyred berries, which ripen to black in winter. Get one now, before they sell out.
There are synchronised swimmers in the M&G show garden- the Retreat. Hope that water is heated because it’s not really that warm today, especially in the shade.
Alan Titchmarsh has issued top tips for Newbies visiting Chelsea, about taking a notebook, sturdy footwear, no rucksacks and NO anti-social umbrellas, he suggests a hat instead.
Thursday evening looks to be the warmest and most pleasant for any 5:30pm ticket holders. Friday evening looks fine but will cool down quickly as the Chelsea by Twilight begins. Forecast link here
