Flowers, Fashion, and Flair: Immerse Yourself in Chelsea's Flower Show and Social Scene

A hot ticket for garden enthusiasts and London socialites, our guide to doing Chelsea Flower Show in full bloom.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Loved by royalty and everyone who's anyone on the London social scene, each year the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are transformed into the world’s greatest flower show. Taking place in May, this is one hospital visit you won't mind attending!

The Chelsea Flower Show has long been the place to see and be seen on London’s busy summer social calendar, with many famous faces and Royals enjoying the gardens throughout the week. If you are planing the garden of your dreams and fancy joining them this is the best place to get dressed up, meet friends and having a fabulous day out. You don't have to be green-fingered to enjoy the delights of the Chelsea Flower Show.

Your Space, Your Story

The theme for 2025 celebrates the individuality of all gardeners and how gardens can bring to life our greatest loves, is taking centre stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

From art to woodlands, from our pets to our mental health, this year’s show demonstrates how gardens can become the most amazing places to tell stories about the people, pets, and pursuits that matter most to us.

Monty Don's Dog Get's Designing

For the first time in history, a dog has been involved with designing a garden at the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Monty Don’s beloved golden retriever, Ned, has played a key role in the creation of his owner’s RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden.

Dog Garden is the first Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be designed by Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don, whose deep affection for dogs is widely known. Monty is creating the Garden with the team at Form Plants, led by plant expert and Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth.

Wildlife, Rewilding and Biodiversity

Wildlife, rewilding and biodiversity are still very much buzzwords, and “Almost all of the gardens at this year’s show have a really strong environmental message. There’s everything from drought-resistant gardens to those that are using upcycled construction materials and solar energy." says environmentalist, designer and author of Companion to Wildlife Gardening Chris Baines.

Best in Show

There is no official dress code for Chelsea, and whilst the event is traditionally described as smart casual, people come dressed to impress. The show gardens are outside, so it's worth having one eye on the forecast before finalising your outfit. With 34 gardens to peruse comfy shoes are also a must!

What Else Can I See During The Chelsea Flower Show?

The royal borough really goes to town throughout the Chelsea Flower Show, with several squares, streets, restaurants and facades transformed into beautiful flower displays, as part of Chelsea in Bloom. This years theme is Flowers in Fashion, produced by Cadogan, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) The annual competition continues to grow year on year, with Chelsea’s best retailers, restaurants and hotels adorning themselves with creative designs, competing for the coveted awards.

Where To Eat And Drink At The Chelsea Flower Show

If you're feeling peckish, you can tuck into a fancy brunch at the onsite Champagne & Seafood Restaurant, or enjoy a floral-inspired Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room.

Chelsea is also bursting at the scenes with great food and drink options. Book a table at the King’s Road branch of Sticks & Sushi which, as a previous Chelsea in Bloom winner, is featuring a display focused around samurais, a regular symbol in Japanese film.

We also highly recommend The Sloane Club and Sloane Place for floral-inspired cocktails, zero-waste restaurant Rabbit, for a special floral-themed menu that nods to Ridley Scott’s A Good Year, and Stanley’s for fresh British dishes from celebrated young chef Olivia Burt.