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Chelsea 2008

Chelsea this year has had considerable interest for the dianthus enthusiast. (No the BNCS was not successful in its attempt to have a stand in the scientific section – perhaps next year!)

Without doubt the main exhibit of interest was the entry by Whetmans Pinks. This was their first stand at Chelsea (although they did supply the plants for a town garden in 2005). The display was an extremely attractive one which as you can see simulated a cottage with pinks front and back. It was particularly of interest for amateur gardeners as it showed different ways of growing the new varieties of pinks developed by the firm in recent years. Dwarf pinks in window boxes and as edging plants.

Pinks in hanging baskets. Pinks in pots and trailing pinks such as “Lady in Red”. There were also old favourites such as Mrs Sinkins, all of course virus free, a feature of all Whetmans plants.

Making the most use of vertical planting on walls is very fashionable particularly in small courtyard gardens and it was shown how effective this can be using pinks. The beautiful silvery foliage makes a stunning display without the need for companion planting. And of course all the varieties shown are at their natural height. No growth retardants used by this firm!

It was a pleasure talking to Caroline Whetman and to hear the suggestion that all vegetable growers should have a row of pinks in the garden to provide fresh flowers for the table decorations. This is something becoming an increasingly popular idea. For some time the concept of food miles has caught the imagination of the gardening public and many more are growing vegetables. (On this site there is an article promoting this concept).

I hope that this will be the start of regular displays at Chelsea by this very famous firm.

Tucked away are the blooms judged by the Pinks and Carnations committee. I never feel the plants judged by the specialist plant committees are given enough prominence at Chelsea.

Amongst the trade stands I came across this delightful boot made out of carnations promoting the firms footware. They certainly deserve a mention in this report. It does demonstrate the versatility and robustness of carnations in floral displays.

Next I came across a delightfull example of a traditional British garden from the past (which also showed the potential future with climate change). Tucked away in the back of the greenhouse were three carnation plants; no greenhouse should be without some! It was a splendid display. (Purists would point out that the varieties grown were not in keeping with the period being modern introductions, but this is NOT a criticism).

Pinks appeared in a number of settingsand of course were found in many of the spectacular displays of floral art. Here they are used as a paint palate as part of a bigger display.

It was good to see a judge properly dressed with both bowler hat and carnation!

All in all it was a good year for dianthus at Chelsea and we look forward to more carntions in the years ahead!