My Chelsea Flower Show Insider Diary – Clipboards, Celebrities and Cold Legs !

I don't know where the year goes. Suddenly it's that wardrobe panic moment when you realise Chelsea Flower Show press and judging day is imminent and the weather is behaving more like a November Christmas shopping trip than the height of spring.

I had the perfect white floral frock all planned but when the day arrived it became a case of shopping my own wardrobe for something vintage that I already had. Out came a fabulous 1970s number which was largely polyester. Ordinarily, for a menopausal lady gardener, that could have been an absolute disaster, but in these temperatures it turned out to be perfect and even required the addition of gym leggings underneath for warmth!

For those that don't know, my role at Chelsea is as part of the Trade Stand Assessment Team. Chelsea is a hugely prestigious show and, as such, the standards expected of exhibitors are incredibly high. The RHS works hard to ensure the show remains a magical experience for visitors and a place of genuine inspiration and horticultural excellence.

Having personally built three Trade Stand Gardens at Chelsea myself, I understand first hand the sheer amount of work, planning, stress and determination that goes into exhibiting there. It is no small undertaking.

Judging day is a long one. We have around thirty stands to assess and very strict criteria to work through. The hardest part is often staying focused on the task in hand because Chelsea is such a wonderfully friendly place. Everywhere you turn there are friends, fellow designers, growers and industry faces you haven't seen for months. The temptation to stop and chat is enormous but we have a job to do and with The King's visit looming there is very little time to waste.

People often ask what exactly we are judging and the answer is quite a lot!

We assess everything from plant quality and display to the overall presentation of the stand. Is the purpose of the stand clear? Do visitors understand the brand's story? Are products displayed effectively? Is pricing visible? Is there good use of technology such as QR codes? Has creativity been used to tell a story? Is the planting appropriate and beautifully maintained?

There is an extraordinary amount to assess in a very short amount of time.

We work in small teams and collectively agree scores and feedback. You can spot us a mile off. Serious faces. Clipboards. Pens. Slightly power walking between stands whilst trying not to get distracted by beautiful planting!

One of my absolute favourite Trade Stand Gardens this year was the wonderful display from Rhino Greenhouses.

The team had created a stunning outdoor living and cooking space centred around one of their beautifully styled greenhouses. Complete with a stove, relaxed seating area and layers of atmospheric planting, it felt less like a show garden and more like somewhere you would happily spend an entire weekend.

To make things even better, outdoor cooking legend Gill Meller was there on press day showing visitors exactly how it should be done.

The planting scheme was inspired by species found naturally along the North Norfolk coastline and featured plants with foraging value woven throughout the display. It was everything I love rolled into one space. Growing, cooking, nature, texture, sustainability and beautiful design all working together.

What impressed me most was how established the garden felt. It looked as though it had been sitting in that spot for decades rather than having been erected in challenging weather conditions just days before by the incredibly talented team at Rosehill Luxury Garden Design.

The materials had been layered beautifully, creating texture and warmth, and every detail felt considered. It was a garden that invited you in and made you want to stay.

One of the real privileges of judging is getting to experience Chelsea before the crowds arrive. The show feels calmer, quieter and somehow even more magical.

It also means that celebrity spotting becomes part of the day.

It's not often you find yourself discussing plant displays one minute before suddenly spotting David Beckham, Alan Titchmarsh, members of the Royal Family and some of the biggest names in gardening all wandering around in front of you.

This year there was particular excitement surrounding the RHS and The King's Foundation Curious Garden, a special feature garden championed by King Charles III and created to encourage more people to discover the joy of gardening. The garden was designed by Frances Tophill and featured contributions and ideas from both Sir David Beckham and Alan Titchmarsh. The aim was to inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of growing whilst highlighting the importance of plants to our health, wellbeing and the environment.

The King's passion for gardening and sustainability could be seen throughout the project and it was wonderful to see it attracting so much attention during the show. Rare plants, edible crops, natural materials and traditional crafts all played a role in telling the story.

And then there were the gnomes.

Yes, actual garden gnomes!

For only the second time in Chelsea's history, the RHS lifted its famous ban on gnomes. Celebrity decorated gnomes appeared around the show as part of a fundraising campaign supporting the RHS work with schools and encouraging the next generation of gardeners. It caused quite a stir and brought a lovely sense of fun to the event. Chelsea can sometimes be seen as serious and formal, so it was refreshing to see people smiling at something a little more playful.

As always, Chelsea left me inspired, exhausted and full of ideas.

It reminded me why gardening is such a powerful thing. Yes, there are the beautiful plants and breathtaking displays, but at its heart Chelsea is about people. It is about sharing knowledge, celebrating creativity and inspiring others to get growing.

And that, for me, is what makes it so special.

Until next year Chelsea.

Though hopefully next time with slightly warmer legs.