In very typical English weather, over 600 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show enjoyed a spectacular theatre of plants and humans this year, with one hand holding an umbrella and the other holding sunglasses.

This year's Chelsea Flower Show reflects the diversity of horticulture more than ever before, with gardens and plants from Australia, New Zealand, France, the United States and Africa.  It also represents old and new – from the quintessential English gardens to contemporary gardens with an emerging organic twist.  There is also significant attention paid to environmental issues, in which the RHS is already proactive.  Drought has seriously affected British soil for the last few years and this together with rising temperatures and water shortages are major concerns.  There are various solution on offer - the efficient use of water drainage systems, collecting rainfall in the garden, and the use of drought resistant plants - all these are on display at the Chelsea Flower Show.

This first report (July issue) will focus on the show gardens that represent Chelsea's most characteristic exhibits this year.