Monday 18 May sees the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with a press day kicking off the five-day event known as the world’s most prestigious and visually stunning horticultural event.

However, prep work started weeks ago with wholesalers at New Covent Garden Flower Market suppling a vast array of plants and cut stems directly to exhibitors in the run up to the show.

Plant wholesaler Ilo Bloom organised a huge delivery of more than 30 trolleys packed to the brim with plants to help a designer bring his cutting-edge ideas to life. “We’ve had a very successful few weeks and have been very busy with orders for clients who are exhibiting at Chelsea,” said Ilo Bloom’s owner Damian Waloch, pictured above right.

The 30-trolly order was placed by James Whiting (the founder of Plants By There), one of Damian’s regular clients and a Gold Medal winner at Chelsea in 2025. A mix of British, Belgian and Dutch garden plants and grasses, the order was so huge that Damian had to make three lorry trips to Royal Hospital Road.

“Business has been hectic in the run up to Chelsea this year,” said Damian, adding that he’s seen trade build up from the start of May as the weather was good and everyone was planning their exhibits. He added: “We’re expecting to still be busy this week as gardeners will be adding things and replenishing stock for their exhibits. I’m visiting the Flower Show later this week and I’m excited to see all my plants as part of the Plants By There garden. Hopefully James can scoop another Gold Medal this year.”

For Richie Edwards at DG Wholesale (pictured above), the week leading up to Chelsea Flower Show was their busiest of the year to date. “We sold 34 trollies of cut flowers on Thursday to just one customer, who is exhibiting at the Flower Show,” explained Richie. A mix of different flowers and colours, the huge order took up an entire articulated lorry plus a trailer. Richie added that several of DG Wholesale’s regular customers are also exhibiting at Chelsea this year. “It was busy again over the weekend,” he said, “and we’re expecting trade to be brisk again all this week.”