Modern Bric a Brac

This year's Chelsea in Bloom has started and the theme quite appropriately is the Summer of Love.

~ Sarah Chapman Skinesis - Chelsea in Bloom ~

Shop fronts have been bedecked in flowers, luscious leaves and branches from trees. Some frame the shop window while others have been formed into shapes and structures such as hearts, a diamond ring or the Princess and the Pea bed. The sight is quite spectacular and if you fancy making the experience even more special you can book a complimentary rickshaw tour or go to one of the many special events that are happening.

~ Wulf & Lamb x Seedlip display inspired by the Princess & the Pea fairy tale ~

Chelsea in Bloom is now in its 13th year and has yet to feature on my blog, so it's a real delight to include some photos from it this year. Produced by Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a selection of shops, restaurants and hotels compete to win awards for their sumptuous floral displays.

~ Boutique 1 & Wildabout - Chelsea in Bloom ~

It was fabulous going around and watching as some of the displays were coming to life. Boutique 1 have collaborated with Wildabout to create an English country garden with ‘tunnels of love’ floral arches that were in the process of construction on Sunday when I was walking past.

Another that we found midway through completion at the entrance to the Cadogan Hotel was possibly my favourite, partly because of the historic connection to Oscar Wilde. The ladies from Larry Walshe were on site, one up a ladder carefully constructing the ethereal woody theme. Go to Chelsea in Bloom's voting page to see the finished display, it's absolutely fabulous.

~ The Cadogan Hotel & Larry Walshe - Chelsea in Bloom ~

But then looking at Rag and Bone's entry again, I think that this one might be my favourite too! Collaborating with the florist, Harper and Tom their display is inspired by the music and graphic arts that emerged from the ‘Summer of Love’ in the 1960’s. The design includes “mind your own business” trailing ivy, Boston ferns, maiden ferns, carnations, stachys, sea lavender, gypsophilia, hydrangeas, rice flower, heucheras, festuca, campanula, cape daisies, alliums and heathers.

~ Rag & Bone and Harper and Tom - Chelsea in Bloom ~

Meanwhile, Marshall Wace has created in collaboration with Amanda Willgrave from Flirty Flowers, a design that features two life-sized carved wooden elephants dressed for an Indian wedding. Festooned in garlands and covered in intricate flower patterns once completed this design will be surrounded by thousands of fresh rose petals.

~ Marshall Wace - Chelsea in Bloom ~

Sarah Chapman's floral installation was a cascade of muted mauve, purple, yellow and green that perfectly harmonised with their taupe brand colour and has been created in collaboration with Petal to the Metal Flowers.

~ Sarah Chapman - Chelsea in Bloom ~

Jimmy Choo had a garland of romantic ivory, pink and red roses in an ombre effect to frame their storefront that had been created in collaboration with Flowerbx.

~ Jimmy Choo - Chelsea in Bloom ~

I also loved a moment captured through glass of the girls at Peter Jones working on a heart floral display. Capturing the reflection of the buildings opposite as well as what is going on in front of the camera, it's a mix-up of both looking in and reflecting back.

~ Peter Jones - Chelsea in Bloom ~

~ Olivia Von Halle - Chelsea in Bloom ~

~ Rigby & Peller - Chelsea in Bloom ~

The displays are judged by an expert panel, and the winners will be announced today, Tuesday 22 May. One award, The People’s Champion Award is chosen by open voting via the Chelsea in Bloom website, so click here to see the full selection and Vote. Voting will close at midnight on Thursday 24 and the winner announced on Friday 25 May.

Chelsea in Bloom takes place until this Sat 26 May 2018. Visit Chelsea in Bloom to find out about all the great events happening too.

Happy summer wishes

Sarah xx