If you walk past Walpole's London HQ today, you'll notice a beautiful new floral arrangement creeping over our doorway, bursting with roses and greenery (pictured above). That's because, for the first time, we are participating in Chelsea in Bloom, London’s largest and most prestigious free flower festival, that has returned to the neighbourhood this week.
Produced by Cadogan in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), this year over one hundred local businesses, shops and restaurants are participating in some form, whether indoors our outside. All are embracing the theme of 'Floral Feasts', with inspiration taken from culinary favourites and memorable foodie scenes and characters across film, literature, history and art.
Walpole's dramatic botanical archway has been masterminded and created by member, Neil Strain Floral Couture. The display, titled ‘Grapevine Grandeur,’ pays homage to English sparkling wine and was inspired by Walpole’s dedication to promote, protect and develop British luxury.
Celebrating artisanal craft, the archway showcases English country foliage, luxurious red roses and clusters of grapes, symbolising the origins of sparkling wine. The inclusion of red roses holds historical significance, dating back to the ruling Tudor dynasty, and now serving as England’s national flower. Crafted from sustainable materials such as fresh branches and reusable chicken wire, the foam-free design embodies both our and Neil Strain Floral Couture's commitment to environmental responsibility, while highlighting the beauty of British foliage.
Alongside our sparkling installation, ten Walpole members are also showcasing their floral creativity for this street-side celebration – and we are all in the running to win a people's vote for the best display. Whether you can make it in person or not, you can see every Walpole member participating (and, more importantly, vote for your favourite before midnight on Thursday 23rd May) using the links below.
Elsewhere in the neighbourhood, large-scale installations are also springing up, including an enormous floral ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ on Sloane Square (alongside the Information Point, where complimentary rickshaw tours and walking tours can be booked, as well as official event T-shirts purchased) by floral artist, All For Love London.
Other installations include the famous spaghetti scene from Lady & The Tramp by Amie Bone on Sloane Street and a reimagined version of Winnie the Pooh by Ricky Paul on the King’s Road. At Duke of York Square, there are two creations: the world of Willy Wonka by Moyses Stevens and the other, ‘Wonky Veg’, a contemporary take on an artistic still life by Lucy Vail Floristry.
Chelsea in Bloom has partnered with two charities: The Felix Project, fighting against hunger and food waste across London, and Cancer Research UK through The Confetti Club, which raises funds for the charity through its work creating confetti from leftover petals.
> Chelsea in Bloom 2024 runs from 20th to 26th May. Discover more about the event and vote for your favourite installation, at chelseainbloom.co.uk
