Watching the coverage of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is sure to inspire, with new plants and creative ideas, the show is at the forefront of horticultural innovation. Each year there are groups of plants featured which particularly stand out. For us, this year's are:
Hosta
Foliage plants featured strongly in the show gardens this year and one of our favourites are Hosta. These herbaceous perennials unfurl their attractive leaves during spring to reveal lush foliage for the summer months. There are many different varieties available, with leaves ranging from small to enormous in every shade of green and variegation. Hostas thrive in shade or partial shade, making them a very popular addition to many gardens. During the summer, flower spikes rise above the foliage bearing clusters of small blooms, but it is mainly the foliage that appeals. Hostas require very little in the way of care or maintenance but they are adored by slugs and snails! Keep an eye out for these unwanted guests and remove any that you see. You can also discourage them from the plants by dressing them with copper tape or rough chippings.
David Austin Roses
For over 60 years, David Austin Roses have been breeding exquisite English Roses at their base in Shropshire. Renowned for their beautiful, repeat flowering blooms and enticing, rich fragrances, there are now over 200 rose varieties bred by David Austin. At Chelsea their display includes shrub, climbing and rambling roses, showcasing the incredible range they have developed. With so many options now available, every garden can be enhanced with a rose from their collection.
Erysimum
More commonly known as perennial wallflowers, Erysimum flower over a long period of time from late winter each year. Their foliage is made of small leaves, creating a naturally compact, mounded shape. Above this, flower spikes hold fragrant flowers in a broad range of colours. Their flowers are attractive to pollinators, making them a beneficial plant for the garden and they are easy to care for. Erysimum are ideal as part of a mixed border or can be grown in containers.
Geum
Geum have been a popular feature of Chelsea for several years and we can see why! These versatile perennials are super easy to grow and have a fantastically long flowering season. Tall, elegant flower stems give this beauty a light, airy appearance. When planted in swaths through a mixed border, their flowers add a stunning dimension, lifting the design with minimal effort.
Edibles
In a change from the purely decorative designs seen for many years, edible plants feature in many of this year's show gardens. Designers looking to create more environmentally friendly and sustainable gardens are including them alongside ornamental plants to give versatile growing spaces and show that we can all 'grow our own' no matter what our outdoor space. A simple pot of herbs can be used in the kitchen while giving us pretty flowers and scented foliage in the garden.
If you have been inspired by this year's Chelsea Flower Show, visit us on-line or in-store where you will find a vast range of plants and our friendly, expert team who are always happy and advise.
