CHELSEA

Elvis Costello sang ‘I don’t want to go to Chelsea’ but he doesn’t know what he was missing.  Not only did Chelsea Football Club pave the way for celebration by winning Sunday night’s Champion’s League, but the sun – at last – is shining.  Blue definitely is the colour, and it’s all over the catwalk too.

And no doubt there will be plenty of blue at Chelsea Flower Show which blossoms from today.  Open to RHS members from tomorrow, Tuesday, and the general public from Thursday,  this week marks the real start to our spring – or is it summer?  Nurserymen and designers from all over the world have shivered their way through the last few weeks creating stunning horticultural works of art,  encouraging tender young plants to brave the cold winds and bloom, and  planting drifts of colour to brighten up even the most hardened heart.  With such depressing global news , Chelsea gives us all permission to smile and drink in the wonders of nature.  I am always in awe of the hard landscaping and mature tree planting – all taking place in such a short space of time in the  Chelsea pensioner’s back garden.   Why don’t things happen that quickly and efficiently in the real world?

If you are looking for entertainment, look no further than SW3,  and if you aren’t in the position to experience such wonders for yourself, the BBC has wide coverage every day this week, 12.30 on BBC1  and again in the evening at 8.00pm on BBC2.  Set the record button now.

Greece may not be the word at the moment, but Chelsea certainly is.  Enjoy!

marigold xx