Chelsea-inspired gardening tips for a lush summer

As May bursts into its full glory and with spring coming to an end, there's one place that truly embodies the spirit of the season: Chelsea, London. For us gardening enthusiasts, this corner of the city transforms into a horticultural haven, and we wanted to share some of the highlights, both within the hallowed grounds of the Chelsea Flower Show and spilling out onto the streets with Chelsea in Bloom.

Our gardeners are super excited with the prospect of summer; gardening becomes much less like a job and more of a joyful day with nature. We will soon be carrying out the Chelsea Chop to those who want us to do so, more of this is explained below.

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The Chelsea Flower Show:  Inspiration Overflowing 

The Chelsea Flower Show 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, brimming with innovative ideas, heartfelt stories, and breathtaking horticultural artistry. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this year's show offers a rich tapestry of inspiration and demonstrates the profound connection between our personal spaces and the stories they tell.

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Chelsea in Bloom:  The Streets Alive with Flowers  

The streets of Chelsea are transformed during Chelsea in Bloom, a stunning floral competition where shops, restaurants, and businesses decorate their facades with vibrant, creative displays.Wandering through the area is a real treat, with each installation reflecting the year’s theme and showcasing a remarkable variety of blooms. It’s a free, uplifting experience that shows how flowers can transform urban spaces.This year’s theme is Flowers in Fashion

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A Word on the  "Chelsea Chop" 

Now, for a bit of practical advice inspired by this blooming season! You might have heard of the "Chelsea Chop," a pruning technique traditionally done around the time of the Chelsea Flower Show (late May/early June).

The Chelsea Chop involves cutting back the stems of certain late-flowering perennials by about a third to a half. This might seem counterintuitive, but it encourages bushier growth, stronger stems, and often a slightly delayed but more abundant and longer-lasting display of flowers later in the summer and autumn.

Plants that typically benefit from the Chelsea Chop include:

• Sedums

• Phlox

• Echinacea (Coneflowers)

• Heleniums

• Asters

• Some varieties of Salvia

By giving these plants, a "chop" now, you'll be rewarded with a more robust and floriferous display in the months to come. So, as you admire the Chelsea blooms, consider which of your own plants might benefit from this timely trim!

The energy and inspiration from Chelsea are always invigorating, and we are excited to bring some of these ideas and techniques into our work together. Happy gardening!

If you would like our team to carry out this on our next visit, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Now is also the time to top up on your perennials.

We would recommend

• Nepeta

• Erysimum

• Salvia’s

• Geraniums

If you would like us to bring some along next time we pop over for your maintenance, get in touch and we will be sure to find you the best plants for your space.

We look forward to hearing from you all.

Warmly,

The Chelsea Landscape Gardener