Space theme emerging at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The planetary system, cosmos, time travel and star gazing are set to take the world’s most famous flower show to another dimension! For the first time in its’ 84 year history of being held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, space, astrology and science fiction is a significant theme at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by Marshalls plc.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place on 22-26 May 2007 (22 & 23 May: RHS members only. 22 May all day tickets now sold out). Tickets must be booked in advance on 0870 247 1226 or at www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows

Garden designer Sarah Eberle, who was awarded an RHS Gold Medal for her garden last year, is creating a terrestrial space garden located on planet Mars. Situated within an assumed dome, ‘600 Days with Bradstone’ belongs to an astronaut on a 600 day tour. The garden was researched for eight years with input from the European Space Agency and studies suggest that all the plants could grow on Mars.

Alien bugs will need to beware; for the first time a TARDIS will take centre-stage in The Great Pavilion in Cardiff County Council’s Doctor Who themed exhibit. ‘A Garden in Time’ contrasts a 1960s urban garden (when Dr Who was first on our screens) with a modern day garden, with emphasis on sustainability, recycling and climate change.

The sky is the limit for ‘The DHL Sun Chariot Garden’, which includes a large semi circular oak seat that swings into the sun or shade at a press of a button. This roof garden is a celebration of the Sun Chariot, a 3400 year old bronze statue, which depicts the belief that the sun was pulled across the heavens by a horse drawn chariot.

Other small gardens that continue the space crusade include ‘The Transit of Venus’, where the shape, plants, colours and features relate to astronomy, light and science and ‘Ad astra per aspera’ (To the stars through adversity), which is a roof top observatory designed to pursue an interest in astronomy. In the garden accessories section of Chelsea, Telescopes of Vermont is blending fine art with stargazing with a bronze reproduction of the Porter Garden Telescope, which made history when it was created in the early 1920s.

Alexandra Baulkwill, Show Manager, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, said: “The RHS doesn’t prescribe any particular themes, but different trends, such as this one, often emerge.

“Chelsea is designed to inspire, excite and delight; it’s great that one of this year’s themes is completely new to the Show and is providing some really interesting and educational stories as well as fabulous displays. Chelsea is renowned for being the greatest flower show in the world; I think that this year we can say in the universe!”

Visitors to the show will be offered a wealth of gardening ideas, with fabulous Show Gardens, inspirational Small Gardens and vibrant displays from over 100 of the world’s best nurseries and specialist growers to enjoy. Those wishing to learn and discover some of the wonders of horticulture must see the Lifelong Learning exhibits within the Great Pavilion. Added to that, displays of desirable gardening products, the latest plant launches, Floral Design, Floristry and expert gardening advice, make the RHS Chelsea Flower Show the ultimate event for gardeners.