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2 weeks ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
It's Thursday 22nd May; the RHS members' days are over and the Chelsea Flower Show is now open to the public. We've been at the show, scouting out all the most interesting features and ideas. Here are five fascinating things to look out for around the Chelsea showground today, chosen by content assistant, Alice Tuffery.
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2 weeks ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
Heading to RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year? Be sure to visit the Gardens Illustrated stand for an exclusive membership offer. When you sign up as a member at the show, not only do you get six issues for £26.95, saving you 25% of the usual price, you'll also get a free pair of Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs, worth £42. Both left- and right-handed secateurs available. Find us at stand EAE524.
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2 weeks ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
For many visitors to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the most highly anticipated exhibit is Monty Don’s Dog Garden: a space for four-legged friends to enjoy alongside their gardening owners. But this idyllic fantasy might be hard to believe when set against the reality of owning a canine and dreaming of a beautiful outdoor space. How easy is it really to maintain a fulfilling space for both dog and human?
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3 weeks ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery |Sorrel Everton
In 2025, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show expects to welcome up to 145,000 people through its gates, bringing inspiration, advice and a great day out to both RHS members and the general public alike – everyone keen to experience the latest and very best in horticulture. RHS Chelsea has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital for 112 years - since 1913 - with the BBC covering it on television since 1959.
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1 month ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery |Molly Blair
If you're going to be around London during the Chelsea Flower Show, but are not going to venture into the showground, or perhaps have some time to spare, then why not take a look at some of the other things to see and do around London? What else is on in London during the Chelsea Flower Show 2025Chelsea in BloomJust a stone's throw from the Chelsea Flower Show, you can see the floral bonanza of Chelsea in Bloom, the free-to-attend festival of flowers.
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1 month ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
There's one thing you need in any garden, no matter the size or style: storage. Whether you want to keep your furniture cushions dry over the winter, or tidy away your tools and equipment at the end of the day, storage space is essential. Of course, not all sheds, cupboards and boxes are equal when it comes to looks, so we're always on the search for beautiful, stylish pieces that'll work well in any outdoor space.
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1 month ago | 
220triathlon.com | Alice Tuffery
From giving you grip on slippery surfaces to protecting your feet on rough ground, water shoes perform many different functions. While we’d typically go for cold water swimming socks for proper swim training in chilly waters, water shoes are handy bits of kit to have with you if you’re wild swimming, taking part in other watersports or enjoying a more leisurely dip.
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2 months ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
There has been a spate of news stories recently reporting the discovery of unexpected frogs, lizards and snakes in the UK, hiding in plants, cut flowers and soil imported from sunnier climes. While these events are relatively rare, and make eye-catching headlines, they are an indicator of more serious issues threatening horticulture.
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2 months ago | 
gardensillustrated.com | Alice Tuffery
In an ideal world, we'd all have spacious sheds and storage boxes, and unlimited time to spend carefully covering up our garden furniture whenever it rains. Failing that, we'd have the patience and enthusiasm to spend hours diligently sanding down and touching up weathered furniture each spring. But in the real world, most of us are on the lookout for robust and weather-resistant pieces that can survive the colder seasons outside.
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2 months ago | 
countryfile.com | Lauren Franklin |Alice Tuffery |Rachel Howatson |Alice Tuffery Rachel Howatson
Best umbrellas tried and tested in 2025: brilliant brollies for rainy strollsIt’s always worth having an umbrella in your bag, or by your door, to prepare for the arrival of a dark, looming cloud. So to help you find a reliable model, we've put a number of umbrellas to the test here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, including sturdy golf umbrellas; compact models for everyday use and dome designs. Before you buy, think about when you'll be using your umbrella.
