On the first day of the virtual Chelsea Flower Show, members of the Royal Family are taking part in the #MyChelseaGarden campaign, sharing a selection, visit of their favourite plants and flowers at this time of year.
As this year's show coincides with #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, RHS - Royal Horticultural Society are encouraging people to brighten their social media feeds with images of plants and gardens, to provide a moment of respite in these challenging times.
The Queen has chosen lily-of-the-valley. Lily of the valley featured in Her Majesty’s coronation bouquet and has held special associations since.
The Prince of Wales has chosen delphiniums. "For me, the magnificent, gloriously apparelled delphinium, with its impeccable bearing and massed in platoons, holds pride of place in my botanical affections."
The Duchess of Cornwall has opted for Alchemilla Mollis, saying: "This acid green fluffy - flowered plant is one of the best ever foliage plants for the garden and the vase. A must for every gardener…"
The Princess Royal has selected hellebores: "Not only do they flower early but they keep flowering for two months, and they are often beautifully marked with endless variations."
The Earl and Countess of Wessex highlighted azaleas which are “so breath-taking at this time of year and have the most intoxicating scent.”
The Duke of Gloucester opted for daisies, which His Royal Highness enjoys digging up from between the paving stones and transferring elsewhere to grow properly and healthily.
The Duchess of Gloucester has shared an image of one of her favourite flowers at this time of year, sweet peas. Her Royal Highness also enjoys weaving wicker trellis supports.
Princess Alexandra has selected the Golden Celebration rose, saying: "This Golden Celebration rose gives great pleasure to look at and has the most extraordinary and unique scent."
For more information:
www.royal.uk/2020-virtual-chelsea-flower-show