My Guide To
From magnificent installations to floral cocktails, this flower festival is free and open to all until Monday 29th May. This week, I was joined by judges from The RHS, Grosvenor and London Wildlife Trust. Here's my guide for your visit...
Start on Elizabeth Street where you will find Bamboo Bears by Moyses Stevens (pictured), a silk flower bed just waiting to be Instagrammed by Les Senteurs and a wild flower meadow outside Me+Em. Their team are even giving out little packets of wild flower seeds so you can grow your own.
In Eccleston Yards you'll pass a wise owl at Biscuiteers, explorers in their floral jeep safari and an elephant bounding past Jones Family Restaurant.
Nip round the corner to Pimlico Road to see Bonadea's installation inspired by Rousseau, a fabulous vintage camper van at Fermoie and a garden in bloom at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint (ask for some honey in an upcycled paint pot!).
Slip into Newson’s Yard to see Moyses Stevens' pair of seahorses in an the underwater wilderness (pictured).
Time for a pause - I went for lunch at Thomas Cubitt but for something sweeter go for the 'Banoffee In Bloom' cake Peggy Porschen under their 'Corals and Florals' doorway.
Wander over to West Halkin Street where the sea theme continues with Neill Strain's seahorses and fish - wow! Louise Kennedy's bright bougainvillea had me back in Jaipur for a moment. Just round the corner you'll find Neill's magnificent family of peacocks (pictured).
Pop into Halkin Arcade for Neill's 'Safari in the City' installation... Get up close - the tiger and snake created from moss are a marvel.
Finally, go to 'Orchids and Butterflies' by Judith Blacklock (pictured) on Kinnerton Street. She told me how the orchids are all British and very happy in this warm, temperate arch this week.
These are some personally highlights but there is much more to see. The judges and I found it almost impossible to pick a favourite! I've listed the winners below. Did we pick correctly? Vote in the People's Choice Award and have your say!
Belgravia in Bloom
Best overall display: Neill Strain
Highly commended: Biscuiteers
Best interpretation of the theme: Me + Em
Highly commended: Edward Bulmer
Most innovative: Sinclair Till
Highly commended: Papouelli
Best display using silk flowers: Les Senteurs
Highly commended: Jones Family Kitchen
A new addition for winter: hand-block printed and hand-quilted bedding exclusive to RF.
Tonal greens and crisp whites combine in this tablescape of fruit and flowers.
A selection of itineraries, guides and articles Rosanna has written about the Pink City and Rajasthan.
A monotone blue tablescape at the painted haveli of Deeppura Garh in Rajasthan, India.
