Kem Ormond is a feature writer for NZME community newspapers and The Country. OPINION With the dreary prospect of winter almost upon us, what better time to take in the colour and excitement of the world’s most famous flower show? The Country’s Kem Ormond has done just that, and fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending the show. A highlight on the horticultural calendar, long-awaited by garden lovers, is the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show .
The borough of Chelsea is transformed into a mass of artistic colour with every nook and cranny dripping with beautiful annuals, stunning hanging baskets, flower beds overflowing with carefully thought-out plantings, window boxes refreshed, a mass of colour in every direction, in every street and in every shop window and frontage. Lloyds Bank was a standout for me with a full-sized horse and cart, laden with vegetables and fruit outside its Chelsea branch. Huge strawberries made from flowers hung from the frontage of a small French bakery and offered wonderful photo opportunities for people passing.
Although having been to London on numerous occasions, I have never been able to co-ordinate my visits with this prestigious flower show but, finally, my 40-year wait has culminated in two days at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and the excitement was that of a child in a candy store. Walking through the large gates at the Chelsea gardens, with my press pass in hand, had to be one of the highlights of my 30-year newspaper care.
