I understand that Chelsea in Bloom takes place from 22 to 27 May to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show. I would love to know from somebody who has spent time in the Chelsea/Belgravia area in May if they can tell me if there are any displays of blooms in the week leading up to the official start date, perhaps in their preparation stage for the competition. I will be staying in Pimlico from the 15 to 20 May and was toying with spending half a day strolling around Chelsea viewing the blooms, if this is possible. I do have the privilege and pleasure of actually attending the Chelsea flower on 23 May. However, I will not be in the area the 3 days either side of this date, to see Chelsea in bloom on the official dates as I am joining others in a location in Richmond.

Welcome to Fodors

I'll also be attending the Flower Show on the 23rd.

As for Chelsea in Bloom - many are store windows and similar - so much like department store Christmas windows, they are covered up til formally unveiled. But some of the outdoor and hotel displays will be visible by the weekend for sure (20-21 May) but probably not as early as the Thurs/Fri before, when you are there. However, you can still see lots of C i B displays even if just in walking too/from the Hospital grounds. (There are always lots of flowers out in and around Chelsea on pubs, boutiques, etc.)

I'm staying at a hotel a couple hundred yards from Peter Jones so I'll be surrounded by C i B - couldn't escape it if I wanted to

Janisj, thank you for your welcome and reply. How wonderful for you, you will be experiencing the best of both worlds! I suspected what you suggested may be the case but was hopeful.

Over the following couple of weeks I will be visiting quite a few of the gorgeous great gardens west and south of London, so will still be indulged. I did visit one or two of them a few decades back when I was newly graduated and spent some time living and working in London (hello Harrods!) and in other parts of the UK on my OE. But my memory of those garden visits are faint. I am now a lot older, more knowledgeable and, as a passionate gardener, will be more appreciative of the treats that await me.

I wasn't going to Chelsea this year (I've been maybe 5 times over 25+ years) but one of my bucket list items is staying in the farmhouse at Sissinghurst . . . and I was able to get a booking there a few days before Chelsea so what the heck I never need an excuse to visit London - quick trip: 2 nights Sissinghurst/3 nights London/1 night @ LHR . . . my animals won't even have time to miss me.

Ya know . . . now that I think about it, this year there just might be extra floral displays before the official C i B dates. Because the Coronation is only a couple of weeks prior, properties might be decorating for both??

I stayed in the farmhouse years ago on one of my visits to Sissinghurst, a very fond memory. My large room was on the upper floor with a view into the garden & my bathroom was about twice the size of my bedroom at home, complete with a sofa I suppose in case if an urge to lounge. It was closed for a time I think for a remodel but I loved the old-fashioned version. Have a wonderful stay.

Of course!! Good thinking!

I am aware of the farmhouse accommodation at Sissinghurst - what a score! Imagine being able to have all that access to the gardens after hours! I hope you do a trip report on it. I read Adam Nicolson's 'Sissinghurst - an unfinished history' relating his journey with the National Trust to return Sissinghurst to a working farm, so it will be interesting to get a glimpse of the changes.

My piece de resistance will be a one night stay at Gravetye Manor where I will be able to soak in their garden all afternoon, evening and next morning. Followed by a 30 hour flight home

Ahh the animals. My two cats will be going into lodgings much to their disgruntlement.

MmePerdu: All of the rooms look lovely - but none of the descriptions mention a sofa in the loo I'm booked into Hareplain which has a diamond shaped window looking out over the tower.

KathNZ: Didn't see your post you will love LOVE Gravetye Manor! Beautiful hotel and grounds. The time I stayed there I had flown into LGW and less than 45 minutes after walking off the plane I walked in the front door.

I'm not 100% sure I'll have access into the gardens after hours - if so that will be a huge bonus. I've been to Sissinghurst twice but only later in the summer and not in May so am really looking forward to it.

Mention of Adam had me going to Google to find the year of his father, Nigel's, death. Vita & Harold's son who had lived in a cottage in the garden. So I was staying in the farmhouse in Sept. 2004 including the day of Nigel's memorial there. A marquee was set up in the garden which I could see from my room and if I remember correctly the garden was closed to the public for the private event.