Is there a lovelier time to visit London than in spring? The UK’s capital is awash with flowers during this season. Following April’s magical magnolia and cherry blossom, last week the streets of West London were transformed for Chelsea in Bloom (along with Mayfair and Belgravia in Bloom). Retailers, restaurants, hotels, streets and squares created dazzling installations; breath-taking floral displays cascaded across storefronts and down streets.
Each year these glorious creations coincide with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show celebrating the start of summer. As much as I love a good floral wallpaper there is no substitute for the real thing. This year we were too busy for a cross Channel trip. Hopefully next year I might be able to go. In the meantime here are some of my favourite looks from 2019:
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy Chelsea Garden have transformed their façade into a wild meadow. The multicoloured display, installed by Early Hours London, covers the outside. Absolutely gorgeous. On until July 28th.
The Glade, Sketch
Sketch has worked with six different florists to create a series of spectacular displays. I particularly love this installation, by Belgian florist Thierry Boutemy, suspended from the ceiling. This display, with flashes of pink and blue amongst the gold and green, magnifies the sunlit glade vibe in a completely magical way.
J. Crew
The display at J. Crew, by The Urban Flower Firm, really caught my eye. This is thanks to their bold use and gradient layering of colour. Starting with blue, then pink and red and then graduating to pink and green, it is very pleasing to the eye. Striking.
Annabel’s
Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair has once again transformed their entire façade into a wall of flowers. The pink, white and fuchsia peonies are set against a green background. This stunning display is by FLOWERFX.
34 Mayfair
34 Mayfair Restaurant’s vibrant installation is done in collaboration with Philippa Craddock; the florist who created the displays at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last year. Note the railings which have been painted pink to coordinate with the flowers.
At Les Senteurs in Belgravia this eye-catching, romantic display mimics a lemon grove surrounding the store.
Enjoying This?
Simple and chic at Yves Delorme. By Jo Wilkinson Floristry
The theme, this year, for Chelsea in Bloom is Under the Water. They have partnered with Plastic Oceans UK to highlight the troubles our oceans are in. On Pavilion Road is this orca creating a splash in blue and white.
Hackett
Winner of the Best Floral Display, Hackett’s installation is inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Here you can see giant octopus tentacles and a yellow submarine. Inside the window the underwater theme continues. Display by Wild at Heart and Harlequin Design
Oliver Peoples
I love the colours in this underwater installation by Wild About Flowers for Oliver Peoples. The Californian brand took inspiration from the coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. It’s quite amazing how the shapes and richly saturated hues, of the plants chosen, really echo the reefs.
Floral seahorses on Sloane Street created by All For Love London.
Poetry
Rob Van Heldan created an atmospheric underwater seahorse display for Poetry. The layering and technique that has gone into this is incredible. Poetry created a tote bag inspired by their seahorse display. Full selling price for each bag sold was donated to Just One Ocean, a charity with a mission to protect and conserve our oceans.
So many beautiful displays. I’m not sure I can pick a favourite. How about you? XO
