This year's show was once again swarming with garden enthusiasts from all over the world. Seriously crowded! (One good thing, though, is that the polite British, never shoved or pushed, but rather politely waited in queues and paraded admiringly by the gardens.) Over 125,000 visitors walked through the show daily to enjoy the grandeur, creativity and inevitable purchasing opportunities available. I've never seen such a vast selection of the "latest and greatest" in garden tools, seeds and amenities as were presented at Chelsea!

As LASN's press representative, I did have the privilege of occasional retreats into the well-stocked press tent, where coffee, tea and English cakes and other goodies were amply supplied. Along with these courtesies came the precious lockers, which by the end of my visit, were packed full of press kits, brochures, videos, sample products, etc. I unloaded my arms periodically only to run back out into the crowds willingly filling them up again to over capacity. What great fun... what great resources!

As this was my first Chelsea show adventure, I found myself wading through the waves of humanity, overwhelmed by the shear magnitude and sights of all the delectable offerings of antique pottery (the size of some could fill my office at Lifescapes International quite nicely), unusual designs, and terrific resources. I kept wondering which of our many local California clients would understand my purchase of a 200-year old olive jar for their garden... Ah well, I did come to my senses and resisted the terra-cotta temptation!

All of the gardens were thoughtfully designed and professionally installed. One of the most flamboyant and "gutsiest" designs was presented by Yves St. Laurent Parfums and created by an American from New York, Madison Cox. Its American heritage could explain its "independent," non-traditional, almost experimental approach. Aptly named, "Yvresse-- Rapture of the Senses," the garden-- inspired by the town of Elche in southern Spain-- featured walls boldly painted in a bright royal blue. This garden won a Silver-Gilt Medal and, in my opinion, deserved a Gold for its originality and sensuous style. Most of the Brits that ventured comments disliked its "brashness," claiming that "it isn't very British, is it?"

Another lovely garden, "The Centenary Garden," celebrated British country life. Three distinct styles of gardening were adopted here: traditional mixed borders, informal dry gravel plantings and a wildflower meadow. Powerful, sensitive plantings, artfully composed, gave the garden a slightly contemporary edge. Designer Rupert Golby won a prestigious Gold Medal for this well-received garden.

Sponsored by British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. (BSB), "A Garden in Provence" was designed by BSB radio personality Fiona Lawrenson. The once-bustling farmyard (used as the backdrop) is now free of farm animals and full of flowers, colorful pots, full to the brim of geraniums, irises and roses. Whimsical and welcoming, the Gold Medal winning garden provides enchantment for all the senses and the seasons. The blend of stone, foliage and flowers echoes the tones and forms of the south of France landscape palette.

In addition to all these lovely gardens, intriguing exhibit booths and great "nibbles," The Grand Marquee featured an interior display of lovely individual flower exhibitions, tropicals, ornamentals, insect eating oddities and this year's newest rose hybrids, for which The Chelsea Flower Show is so famous... Attendees could order from specific growers, nurseries and professional floristry shops, virtually whatever your heart desired. Gold medal displays ranged from African Violets, to David Austin Roses, to Carnivorous Plant Society's ornamentals. There was also a spectacular display of Pelargoniums, herbaceous perennials, Bonsai and medicinal herbs, which all won Gold medals as well.

It was impossible to see everything -- especially for professional curiosity-- in one day of browsing. I discovered new sources, was overwhelmed by the show from its efficient organization to its diversity of designs. I guess, since I didn't have the opportunity to investigate all of the booths, LASN will just need to have me return next year for a reconciliation... I am going again, yes? lasn

Photos by Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs