BLOG CORNER: MAGICAL PLANTS and FLOWERS at CHELSEA!

This is such a busy time of year in the U.K.

Spring has once again triggered the signs of new life. Not only in the animal kingdom but the renewal of plants and trees.

The days are becoming longer with farmers and gardeners  preparing the ground and sowing seeds  for the year ahead.

 Preparing the Ground:

Householders are making use of the better weather and longer daylight by attending to things around their homes and gardens which require attention.

Visually it is such a welcome sight to see  new lambs playing in the fields and the countryside and gardens becoming colourful with new foliage and flowers.

It is now May, and one of my favourite television programmes is the annual visit to Chelsea Flower Show.

 Fabulous Roses:

  I haven`t been lucky enough to attend the Show, but  I`m sure the atmoshere must be wonderful, with such an explosion of fragrances and visual beauty. 

I sometimes think that the television cameras capture such excellent close up views of the gardens and individual exhibits, that it may well be better than being swept along with the crowds of  spectators, and perhaps missing some of the artistry and creativity on display.

 Immaculate Lawn:

 Fashions change quite quickly in the gardening world.

Some  years ago, the gold standard  was one of gardening perfection with precisely clipped lawns, razor sharp edges and insects discouraged.

It then went through a much more relaxed phase, where a rustic presentation was encouraged. 

 Rustic  wilderness:

Props such as old agricultural and gardening  items and wild flowers gave  interest to  displays, and included  plants and foliage which were previously  considered to be  weeds.

Water features began to become popular, showing what a calming and visually attractive addition they can make to a garden.

  Water Feature:

In recent years the large garden exhibits have become more  themed, and  linked to charities and organizations.

A huge amount of time, expertise and  expense go into some very ambitious designs which have to be constructed in a short space of time.

Everyone has become much more aware of protecting the environment, and consideration for our often hidden friends from the insect world are now placed much higher up the agenda, as their true worth is appreciated.

 The  nectar  hunt:

Amazing garden designs now have a much larger  input from creative architects who work alongside the gardeners. There are often contributions  from other sources, such as artisans and schools.

Many  exhibits tell a story, often in meticulous detail, using a variety of materials and plantings with  the overall effect  having  a powerful influence on the audience.

There has been increasing  recognition of the popularity of tiny  gardens which show that it isn`t mecessary to have a piece of ground, but an attractive functional  garden can be created on a balcony or even a windowsill.

 Recycled  items:

Herbs and vegetables can be grown alongside other plants, and creative colourful  displays can be produced in pots and a variety of containers.

Tiny water features, sparkling lights, ingenious wall trellises and recycled items can produce an interesting and productive display  in a very small space.

There is a huge variety of containers  and decorative features to be found  at garden centres, charity shops and  car boot sales. For the  more house bound, goods can be purchased through Amazon and e-bay.

Preparation for Chelsea starts at least the year before.

Plants have to be nursed along in order to be in peak condition for the all important week.

It is a nail biting experience as the time draws near, as plants have to be transported safely to Chelsea. 

There are so many X factors which can influence the transfer such as weather, temperature, condition of plants and time management, together with construction of display  areas, especially for the large garden exhibits, and keeping plants and foliage in  perfect condition  whilst on show. 

 Simple  planting:

One of the most important aspects to come out of not only Chelsea, but all gardening exhibitions, is the importance of how the plant world has such an important link to mental health.

We are all aware of the explosion of mental health issues which has become apparent within  all age groups over the last decade.

Many causes have been put forward, but sadly treatment and answers have simply only scratched the surface  of the problem.

A familiar pattern of medications and absence  from work have become the norm, as there are not enough professional and support staff to address the high volume of people experiencing stress, anxiety and depression.

It has been advocated that people having mental health issues should try and make contact with the natural world, by spending time in green spaces  or by the sea.

This is not always possible for a variety of reasons, but an excellent alternative is to become involved with gardening in its many forms.

It is a peaceful activity which relaxes the mind and offers escapism from stressful matters. It gives a practical input which is often missing from modern life.

It appeals to all types of personality, whether  creative, artistic or practical, and it  produces  results such as  flowering plants, herbs or  vegetables.

Like people, shrubs  and plants are all different and require  handling and management suited to their needs.

There are tremendous success stories where gardening in some shape or form has been instrumental in helping people with mental health problems.

Perhaps more money should be spent on expanding this type of  therapy which has been proven to work, rather than on more medication?

As well as gardeners, there is an  increasing number of varied employment opportunities such as  gardening architects, designers, artists, florists, educationalists and entrepreneurs and for the more experienced, media input  and producing  books.

What many people looked on as a boring hobby, is now seen as a vibrant creative profession with a varied career path to suit all types of people.

 Chelsea Flower Show taps into the senses of sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. These senses are vital to our well being and have become  rather lost or produced mechanically in today`s world.

What can be more pleasing and bring simple  joy, than calming, colourful, perfumed plants and flowers  to brighten up our day.

Chelsea is such a wonderful show, especially at a time of such conflict and uncertainty around the world, and  how reassuring that many of the wonderful aspects  can be recreated in some form at home.

Talking of conflict, it is interesting to note that  meetings involving peace negotiations between war torn countries, often have large floral arrangements which are highly visible. It may not be done on purpose, but a subliminal message is being sent which emits tranquil, peaceful and positive vibes, which help to promote good outcomes.