INTERMISSION - THE ROYAL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

A quick interlude to cover the RCFS in a little more detail. One doesn't need to have a green thumb to appreciate the magnificent floral displays, indeed if one was gardening minded then a visit to the Chelsea show my just disillusion you. So check out these wonderful displays of flora.....

It was wall-to-wall people

This is where Charlie and Camilla get their flowers....

Carniverous plants!

Gold Medal winning display from Thailand

2nd Place overall - Streptocarpus 'Polka-Dot Purple'

The Dutch heritage display was particularly impressive

Here's more of 'Candy', the 8 metre tall sculpture made of 4,000 hand painted tulips by Paul Cummins. He is the same artist responsible for the extraordinary 'Blood Swept Lands And Sea Of Red' poppy display that surrounded the Tower Of London last year. Apparently the tulip is a flower once associated with obsessive collecting - I wonder if they grow them in vinyl - and renowned for its extraordinary genetic variation.

Many of the displays were in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Alice In Wonderland.

The expert judging panel at work

And this is the Australian outdoor garden entry. Don Legsy didn't find it particularly authentic - not a Barbie or Hill's Hoist anywhere to be seen, nor did they leave enough space for a game of backyard crikit.

The garden features were also something to behold. There was an Alice theme to some, but others just left you scratching the pate.......

Just what every garden needs!

'Tree Spirit' - a snip at $89,000! 

Or how about 'Pears', yours for only $125,000!!!!

Maybe you prefer 'Thoth', a fire sale price of a mere $245,000.

This gorgeous shell statue of Medusa would look just perfect in Templestowe,

Just in case you thought I was making up these prices!!

This is more like it - a 'shell' swan for only $9,500

There's something for everyone at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, whether it be delicious afternoon tea, wonderful floral displays, or eyeing off garden gnomes that cost more than a one bedroom apartment - I suppose if you have an apartment then you don't need a giant bronze pear or anyway.

So if you plan on visiting London in May, put it in your diary - you know you have to.