Alan Titchmarsh filming for the BBC…

Where Alan and Joe Swift have sat most evenings this week whilst presenting the TV programmes…

Garden designer Adam Frost being interviewed…

Ben Fogle being interviewed…

George Lamb being photographed…

Mary Berry, Lynda Bellingham, Christopher Biggins & Adam Frost…

Nick Knowles being interviewed…

And Ringo Starr being interviewed in the hoof…

You can just about see Zara Phillips behind all the photographers…

Other celebrities who I spotted on Press Day included Sir Paul Smith, Dame Helen Mirren and Judith Chalmers.

Later, I’ll be featuring images of the sell-off yesterday, followed by Flowerona Reflects…

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

The competitors were asked to create a never-ending circle inspired by something or someone associated with Chelsea.

Florist of the Year

Laura Leong, Moulton College

Gold Medal Winner

Tracy Griffin, Tracy Griffin Flowers

Young Florist of the Year

Paula McLagan, Something Special Flowers

Gold Medal Winners

Joe Massie, Plumpton College

Victoria Richards, Lavender Florist/Victoria Richards Floral Design

Jessica Richards, Lavender Florist/Victoria Richards Floral Design

Charlotte Baker, Hubbards Florist

Many congratulations to all these Gold Medal winners and particularly to Laura and Paula.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

Their design, called ‘Far Below the Sea Blooms’ was created by floral designers from the Scottish Area of Flower Arrangement Societies (SAFAS).

Underwater cathedrals and coral reefs were recreated using flowers and foliage.  I loved their use of celosia to represent coral at the bottom of the sea bed.

Here are some images of their award-winning stand…

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with news from NAFAS, they’re on Twitter and Facebook.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

When I first saw Chris’s garden on Monday at Press Day, I was completely taken by it and especially the striking sculpture below by Anna Gillespie, called ‘To the Limit’.

Here are some images of the wonderful design…

Split into three different sections, the garden reflects the personal journey and emotions of someone with arthritis, from confusion and lack of understanding following a diagnosis, to a point where they are informed about the disease and able to manage their pain.

For Chris, designing this garden evoked personal memories from his early teens, when he was diagnosed with a form of rheumatoid arthritis.

Many congratulations to Chris, and Keith Chapman Landscapes the contractor, on being awarded a Gold Medal.

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with Chris’s news, he’s on Twitter and Facebook.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

There was one arrangement in particular which really blew me away.  It was created by floral designer Angela Turner.

The theme for this particular class was ‘Press Release’.

Lots of participants had incorporated newsprint into their designs. I loved Angela’s interpretation though…a vintage iron and ironing board, with pressed flowers!

I thought you may like to see some images of her Gold Medal winning design…

Isn’t it just stunning?!  I loved the combination of different textures and the contemporary, natural feel of her arrangement.

If you’re visiting the Chelsea Flower Show today, do make sure to visit the Floral Design Marquee.

Angela will also be taking part in Winchester Cathedral’s Symphony of Flowers Festival next month, if you would like to see more of her beautiful work.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

Gillian Wheeler is the Principal of the Academy and on Wednesday, she appeared on the BBC creating a floral design with TV presenter Nicki Chapman.

I was mesmerised watching the filming taking place.  So I thought I’d capture the ladies in action and share some ‘behind the scenes’ images with you…

Three TV cameras were used to film the three minute slot which was pre-recorded just before it went out on air as part of the lunchtime show.

Whenever filming is taking place at Chelsea, you always find a crowd of onlookers. It’s just so interesting to see how a TV programme is put together.

Many congratulations to Nicki on becoming Patron of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) this week.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

If you’re visiting the show today, do look out for it in Eastern Avenue.

They’re selling their range of candles, hand wash, vases and accessories.  Plus you’ll be able to see a special copy of the Principal, Gillian Wheeler’s beautiful new book called ‘Flowers & Imagination’.

Here are some images of their stand…

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with news about the Academy, they’re on Twitter and Facebook.

Next, I’m be featuring ‘behind the scenes’ images of Gillian being filmed with TV presenter Nicki Chapman for a slot on one of the BBC programmes earlier this week.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

And for this Sunday only, there won’t be a Flowerona Links post.

I’m going to start off today with the Artisan Gardens, which are one of my favourite parts of the show. The garden designer’s brief is to make artistic use of materials.

The Best Artisan Garden and a Gold Medal went to Kazuyuki Ishihara for his Japanese garden, An Alcove (Tokonoma) Garden, below.

Gold

Brecon-based Rich Landscapes and their design called Un Garreg (One Stone) also won a Gold Medal.  I’m so thrilled for brothers Harry and David Rich!

You may remember that I featured their show garden at the RHS Cardiff Show last year, when they were awarded ‘Best in Show’.

Gold also for Herbert Smith Freehills Garden for WaterAid…

And the Motor Neurone Disease Association design, A Hebridean Weaver’s Garden.

Silver-Gilt

On Press Day, there was a lot of interest in the NSPCC Garden of Magical Childhood.

And congratulations also to Welcome to Yorkshire with their design, Le Jardin De Yorkshire.

Silver

The National Botanic Garden of Wales’ garden called ‘Get Well Soon’ was awarded a Silver Medal.

As was this design below from Walkers Nurseries.

Many congratulations to all the garden designers.  I wonder whether any of them will receive the RHS People’s Choice Award which will be announced today?

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

Kelways are peony and iris specialists.  And as I’m a huge fan of peonies, I couldn’t resist capturing some of their stunning collection to share with you…

Herbaceous Peonies

Coral Sunset

Dr. Alexander Fleming

Kansas

Red Charm

Shirley Temple

White Wings

Tree Peonies

Duchess of Kent

Wu Long Peng Sheng

I really was in ‘Peony Heaven’ when taking these photos. If you’re at the show tomorrow, do pop into the Great Pavilion and see them up close for yourself…

And if you’d like to keep up-to-date with news from Kelways, they’re on Twitter and Facebook.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)

Well, this blog post features images of Athena Duncan and Mairead Curtin from Rebel Rebel, and the wonderful display they created.

The background is:

In 1913, Kelways was one of the greatest horticultural establishments in the world, responsible for the breeding and growing of one of the widest portfolios of plants and vegetable seeds known.  

As a tribute to Kelways heritage, Rebel Rebel have created an exhibit to highlight the wonderful array of plants for which Kelways was once world-famous.

A mature pear tree takes centre stage to the display, echoing Kelways coat-of-arms.  And it’s decorated with vegetables to emphasise the importance of the seed-growing aspect to the business 100 years ago.

Under the tree, flowers for which Kelways was influential in breeding and growing are planted.

I hope you enjoy looking through the images…

I absolutely loved Rebel Rebel’s design…especially the contrast of the vibrant coral pink phlox blooms against the turnips and parsnips.  Plus the hanging vegetables, which caught the attention of lots of visitors in the Great Pavilion!

Next, in Part 2, I’ll be featuring images of the wonderful peonies which Kelways were displaying on another part of their stand.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)