A Blossoming Dream Come True

As a passionate flower enthusiast and the proud owner of a flower shop, attending the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in London has always been a dream of mine. This year, that dream became a reality when I was invited to present a floral demonstration and book signing at the Lanesborough Hotel in London.

The Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is held every year by the Royal Horticultural Society and is considered to be one of the most prestigious gardening events. From the moment I stepped foot onto the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, I was captivated by the overwhelming array of colors, scents and designs that adorned every corner of the show. The attention to detail was evident in every exhibit, showcasing the creativity and passion of the world's most talented horticulturists and florists.

Fun fact behind-the-scenes… the floral designers have to keep everything alive and thriving throughout the week-long show.

As I wandered through the vibrant displays, I felt connected and inspired, having the utmost respect and admiration for the many designers and their work. This floral entry by British floral sensation Lucy Vail speaks for itself!  

Floral Master Class & Book Signing

The invitation from the prestigious Lanesborough Hotel to present a floral demonstration and book signing during this festive week was just the icing on the cake!

The iconic hotel located in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge neighborhood is renowned for its historical preservation and elegance, which provided the perfect backdrop for my floral master class. To top it off, the room had a glass ceiling!

The event was a huge success with all the help from my wonderful book rep at Rizzoli and my dear friend Lucy Hunter, who was sweet to accompany me to the London wholesale market in the wee hours of the morning to get the perfect blooms. I also want to thank the Lanesborough Hotel; I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome.

Flowering in London

Of course, the week would not have been complete without walking around London, taking in all of the amazing floral displays. Everywhere I turned, there were vibrant large-scale floral installations. I would stop and stare silently while others did the same. We’d stay there for a moment or two until we engaged in conversation about the beauty and hard work that must have gone into each display. 

As I returned home, I carried with me the memories of a remarkable event along with a deeper appreciation for the power of nature's beauty. The Chelsea Flower Show will forever hold a special place in my heart. It takes place every year for 5 days in May, so there’s still a chance to attend if you want to add it to your bucket list!

Cheers from London,

Sandra