From the 19th to 24th of May, Duke of York Square bloomed into visually arresting floral displays as Chelsea in Bloom hit the area. In association with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sloane Square, Sloane Street, Duke of York Square and the surrounding areas embraced the theme, Creation in colour – a journey through fashion, food and lifestyle, to transform the area into a beautiful floral oasis.
Visitors enjoyed a number of activities as part of the programme of events, including free rickshaw tours, floral Alice band making at Liz Earle, and al fresco dining at Manicomio, whilst they took in the beautiful floral displays. To mark the six day event, Sloane Square was turned into a custom-made maze, and Duke of York Square became a fantastical Secret Garden. The Chelsea Pensioners also helped mark 100 years since World War I by turning Cadogan Place Gardens into a ‘Memorial Meadow.’ Retailers each had unique and inspiring interpretations of the Chelsea in Bloom theme, with Wild at Heart’s creative florist Nikki Tibbles helping Kate Spade create an in-store tropical paradise, while Harvey Nichols offered a floral menu and cocktail list. All retailers were in competition to be awarded Gold, Silver, Silver-Gilt and Bronze and the People’s Choice Award. Each retail display was judged by Official RHS Chelsea Flower Show judges as well as Sasha Wilkins, editor of award-winning lifestyle and fashion blog Liberty London Girl. Retailers gained points on creativity, flair and use of fresh flowers, as well as their take on the colourful theme.
The judges announced Kate Spade as the official Chelsea in Bloom winner for 2014, giving them Gold for the Best Floral Display. Liz Earle picked up the Silver award and LK Bennett was awarded Bronze. It was LK Bennett’s display, inspired by the creation of fashion, which helped them to secure the People’s Choice Award; Kate Spade and Moyses Stevens were awarded second and third places respectively.
Visitors to Sloane Square’s maze were able to make individual donations to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation and The Botanist contributed £5 for every bottle of champagne sold to the Royal British Legion.
Chelsea in Bloom might be over for this year but we are already excited to see what 2015 will bring.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to receive the latest news from the Square.
