If you’ve been reading The Handbook over the last few weeks, you’ll know how floral mad we’ve gone – from floral rooftops to wisteria hysteria, we’ve covered it all. We aren’t the only ones who have gone mad over this floral frenzy either, it’s splattered left, right and centre across social media, especially on the ‘gram. And trust us, from what we can see, it’s only just the beginning. Later this month, Chelsea in Bloom, returns to Chelsea’s most iconic streets with stunning floral displays, extending the Chelsea Flower Show to the the local neighbourhood for free.
Produced by Cadogan, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea in Bloom runs from May 20th until the 25th, helping you to stash Instagram’s for the next few weeks. Over 80 shops, restaurants and hotels will all be interpreting this years theme, Under The Sea, and participating from Sloane Street, Pavillion Road, Duke of York Square, and for the first year, King’s Road, to celebrate its re-launch in 2019. 
Sloane Square will be the central point, with an information area, where you can book a free rickshaw ride or walking tour to see the area’s highlights, a pop-up bar area and, of course, will include a beautiful central floral installation created by florists from All For Love London, featuring a striking coral reef complete with sea creatures. Along Pavilion Road, you’ll find a four metre long Orca Whale hanging out, made out of tropical leaves and flowers. While over at Duke of York Square, florists from Maison de Fleurs have produced a giant turtle created from plants, succulents, moss and beautiful flowers.
One restaurant being transformed with a gorgeous ‘Birth of Venus’ themed floral installation will be Harry’s Dolce Vita. You’ll be able to pose as Venus by sitting on a life-size clam shell, which will be a perfect opportunity for a new profile picture! Alongside this, guests can enjoy a selection of limited-edition cocktails inspired by the sea or dig into their mixed berry sundae – need I say more?
This year, organisers Cadogan is working alongside Plastic Oceans UK, a charity devoted to ending plastic pollution and a charity point will be in Sloane Square, with an interactive installation helping to raise awareness.
Participating displays will be judged by RHS judges, with a whole host of awards, including a ‘People’s Champion’ award decided by the public. Visitors can vote online from May 21st until midnight on Thursday 23rd. Chelsea in Bloom has become a fixture in London’s summer calendar and is definitely worth the visit to revel in all of your floral dreams and lust over the dreamy installations.
Chelsea in Bloom is running May 20th – 25th, head to Sloane Square, SW1W 8AQ to begin, www.chelseainbloom.co.uk
