Every Chelsea has its own unique atmosphere, its dominant themes and colour palettes – and particular plants that crop up time and again. After last year’s austerity, it was good to see that the Show was vibrant and optimistic once more, if a touch safe. Not that I miss the vulgarity of blue glass mulches and multicoloured plastic baubles of earlier years, but there was definitely a feeling of restraint to most of the large gardens. This actually resulted in designs that most of us could happily live with – which really is no bad thing.

But there is a little bit of me that enjoys being challenged by a touch of outrageousness.


































Andy Sturgeon discussing his design with Alan Titchmarsh