© 2014  Karen Roe. All Rights Reserved.

Every year since 1913, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has transformed the gardens of the Royal Hospital Chelsea into a green-fingered haven. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this prestigious event is renowned worldwide and has become one of these most famous international flower shows, attracting guests from all over the world.

Taking place from the 24^th-28^th May 2016, the famous 5-day event has some additional show-stopping highlights in store. Guests can look forward to photographic exhibits, a floral arch in celebration of the Queen’s 90^th birthday and an acoustic garden inspired by world-leading percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. Each year also brings different floral inspirations from around the world.

© 2012  Karen Roe. All Rights Reserved.

The theme of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show is Health, Happiness and Horticulture, which focuses on the benefits of greening up our grey spaces. Leading garden designer and BBC presenter Anne-Marie Powell will provide ideas for visitors to take home to their own garden as well as calling the nation to transform hard, cold grey areas around the UK into planted-up, beautiful places.

© 2012  Karen Roe. All Rights Reserved.

This year will also see the arrival of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, which is sure to be a highlight of the show. Horticultural showman, Diarmuid Gavin, is back by popular demand and will bring the foliage to life with The British Eccentrics Garden. This attraction will feature bizarre garden gadgetry that comes to life every 15 minutes.

In celebration of this local annual show, The Kensington will be introducing a new floral-inspired cocktail, Casual Violets, created by K Bar’s very own Bar Manager, Ben Manchester.

The cocktail consists of Gin, Crème de Violette, Lavender Syrup, Lemon Juice, an egg white and Yellow Chartreuse which is an aromatic liqueur made from a mixture of 130 different herbs, plants and flowers.The liqueur earns it pale yellow colour with the addition of saffron and honey. Once mixed together, the cocktail is then garnished with a sprig of Lavender. Casual Violets cocktail costs £12 and is available at K Bar until 28th May.  

The Kensington is only a 10-minute drive to the grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea making it the perfect base for your colourful weekend away. Why not make your Chelsea Flower Show experience extra special with the Love Kensington package? The overnight package includes an indulgent breakfast in bed, late check out and a bottle of Nyetimber English sparkling wine.

For more information about The RHS Chelsea Flower Show visit their website here.

Are you planning on heading to this floral extravaganza? Tweet us at @HotelKensington and let us know, and if you’re experiencing it with The Kensington make sure to tag us in all your flowery photos on our Instagram page.