The RHS has announced it will create an online Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May, to celebrate the horticultural industry and the joys of gardening during what would have been show week, with a ‘press day’ on 18 May and the Virtual Show running from 19 – 23 May.
Whilst the RHS will not be able to create the actual show at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, horticultural designers, growers, exhibitors, landscapers, and others across the industry will come together online. Planning is still the early stages and more details will be announced in coming weeks.
In a statement on the RHS website, RHS Director General, Sue Briggs said, “All of us here at the RHS have been extremely touched and moved by all the support, kindness and offers of help from the horticultural industry, our members, volunteers, show visitors, the BBC and so many more following the sad cancellation of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and our other shows and events until 30 June due to COVID-19.
“Two things have become very evident since these cancellations. The first is that many, whether watching on the BBC or attending the show, whilst understanding this decision, feel such an immense hole in their lives and deep disappointment that RHS Chelsea will not take place this year.
“The second is how many feel they need gardening in the life now more than ever before for their mental and physical wellbeing during this national emergency. This applies to everyone from those who are having to self-isolate to families planning maybe for the first time, to grow their own food.
“For these reasons, and to do more to support the industry, the RHS will create a Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show, to celebrate our great horticultural industry and gardening heritage.”
