Floral tributes for Queen’s Jubilee set for Chelsea Flower Show

A floral sculptural portrait of the Queen will be among the tributes to the monarch in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The gardening extravaganza is returning to its May dates for the first time next month since the pandemic.

Visitors will also be transported to one of the head of state’s favourite places in honour of her 70 years on the throne, with one setting inspired by the colours of the Balmoral countryside.

Renowned florist Simon Lycett, who has created many arrangements for the royal family, has designed a special silhouette of the Queen in the official Platinum Jubilee shade of purple.

It will be covered on both sides with an assortment of native British-grown tree branches with connecting inner shelves arranged with 70 terracotta pots, hand-made in Warwickshire, and planted with Lily of the Valley, one of the Queen’s favourite plants which featured in her Coronation bouquet.

An installation by floral designers Veevers Carter will feature a canopy of flowers including fresh Delphiniums, emulating the colours and planting of the Scottish landscape near the Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle estate in Aberdeenshire.

The area, Natural Perspectives, will offer visitors an “an ambient soundscape” and visual projections of wildlife, leading to a large-scale portrait of the Queen made from dried pressed flowers that have been collected and re-used from the designers’ previous events.

In the show’s Great Pavilion, the monument will be surrounded by a photography exhibition of the Queen visiting the show throughout her reign.

With a calm and serene environment, it will be set against a colour palette of white, green, purple and blue plants to reflect the tones found in natural woodlands.

An archway of royal emblems reminiscent of a countryside meadow by Lucy Vail Floristry will decorate the Bullring Gate.

It will include three wicker crowns covered in sweet peas and columns abundant with foxgloves, geraniums, and irises.

Helena Pettit, director of RHS Gardens and Shows: “This year’s RHS Chelsea is going to be particularly special as we celebrate this historic anniversary for Her Majesty and as the show returns in May following the pandemic.

“These imaginative floral tributes are a fitting and joyful representation of a truly unique monarch, and we hope visitors will enjoy seeing them at the show in the lead up to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”

She has attended more than 50 times during her 70-year reign.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show tickets are available for May 27, including late opening, and May 28 at www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea.