The famous Chelsea Flower Show in London was a riot of colour, and it wasn't just the flowers. I was paying my first visit to the show for 19 years. Sister-in-law Kate and I were disappointed to see the number of show gardens reduced from 17 last year to eight with few of the big name gardeners exhibiting. Have costs become too prohibitive? There was only one garden where you queued and went up a ramp and looked down. I remember 19 years ago doing that for the all-white Christian Lacroix garden.
In addition to flower snapping, I couldn't resist taking pictures of some of the wonderfully dressed women. This lady was mixing orange and pink to sensational effect.
Kate by the entrance with flowers and elephant, in fabulous Fendi shoes (Kate, not the elephant)
It was tricky to know what to wear: it has to start with footwear when you know there's a lot of walking involved. I decided to go with my silver flat boots. It was pleasantly warm but the sun disappeared. Boots: Asos; blue sequinned bag: Pure Collection.
A beautiful white display inside the pavilion. To be honest, the show gardens were a bit of a let down. Lots of naturalistic planting, sometimes in harsh urban settings. I wasn't very inspired by the planting. The artisan gardens had far more in the way of "wow" and ideas. The first picture was my favourite, the Commonwealth War Graves garden, though it wasn't a gold medal winner.
Very eye catching combination of lime green and magenta.
Sarah Raven's garden drew crowds with its old-fashioned flowers and charm.
Sarah Raven
No qualms about comfortable footwear here! Shoes: Gucci
Showing how Converse look great in every setting.
A horse made of horseshoes in an artisan garden.
Me with two redoubtable Chelsea Pensioners.
Great pattern mixing in this brocade jacket
These gold spheres were everywhere - appearing in a garden near you soon!
The silver medal winning The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden
Lady in green looked great with the vintage ice cream van in green..
A fantastic pair of rose gold shoes!
Shihara Kazuyuki's garden is inspired by the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
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THIS WEEK ON IS THIS MUTTON?
Thursday: Gingham
Saturday: May beauty round-up
