Hurrah! It’s the Chelsea Fringe again. This year it’s running from Sat 20th May until Sunday 4th June. There are tons of great events to see/ take part in, all over London and much further afield (Essex, Cirencester, Hastings, Henley, Poland, Italy and Japan!). If you haven’t heard of the Chelsea Fringe before, it’s a quirky horticultural festival, wrapping itself around the Chelsea Flower Show dates, with loads of pop-up events, horticultural happenings and art installations to visit-mostly for free!
I’m kicking off the weekend by heading west to Paddington to see ‘London’s first floating pocket garden’ (above). (Oops, delayed opening. Now open from May 26th.)
I love it that the Fringe takes me to areas I don’t normally explore in the capital, and while out of my manor, I thought I’d have a look at Tord Boontje’s ‘Dawn to Dusk’ rotating chairs on the Thames (next to St. George’s Wharf in SW8), take in an artist led tour at Battersea Power Station (it’s free, but you need to book to join this) and then top it off by heading down to Vegetable Avenue (SW8), to learn how make my own veg-strument. I can then join in the celebratory musical performance along Thessaly Road with London’s Vegetable Orchestra. What a day!
From Battersea to Brixton to Broadgate (in the City), from Bamboo Gardens to the Bloomin’ Jewels exhibition (at Contemporary Applied Arts in Southwark), you’re spoilt for choice.
You also get the chance to visit Wendy Shillam’s wonderful rooftop garden this Saturday 2oth May (near Oxford Circus) and she’ll be holding great day courses on how to grow veg in just 6 inches of soil, with great nutritional tips, on Sunday 21st May and Sunday 4th June (you’ll need to book these).
In past years, visiting Chelsea Fringe events has always been a treat and I can’t wait to see more happenings this year. Here’s a list of the first week’s events,
And there’s plenty more going on until the 4th June (Inner Temple Dog Show above, taking place on Sunday 21st May). Enjoy!
P.S. If you want to join Michelle’s virtual Chelsea Fringe project, you can Tweet a pic of your own garden (or join in via Facebook, Instagram or a blog) with the hashtag #mygardenrightnow
Couldn’t help sharing this wonderful Ferula communis (ornamental Fennel), given to me by Siew Lee Vorley from Great Dixter. It’s looking wilder every day!
Out of my shed 
I’m going to the floating garden and the dog show on Sunday, looking forward to both. I discovered all the new stuff at Paddington in March, my usually long waits at the station for the cheaper evening trains home need never be boring again! I’m also running a virtual project on June 3-4th – I hope you’ll join me for #mtgardenrightnow.
Hi Michelle, Just been sent a message to say that the floating garden won’t be open until the 26th May now. Hope there’s something else that will entice you to visit before the dog show and that you have a great day on Sunday.
Nx
Er, that should read #mygardenrightnow 😉
Tell me more!!…..
Here’s the details on the Fringe website – I really must put something up on the blog about it as well! http://www.chelseafringe.com/event/mygardenrightnow/2017-06-03/
I love it when you say ‘Hurrah!’ I can picture your eyes lighting up and happiness written all over your face. Great post, you’re a star.
Thanks Dixter Babe!
Just been marvelling at my Ferula communis that you gave me. Have tweeted a pic. V. exciting. Looks more and more gorgeous every day!
I’m over here in the US (Southern California), so I won’t be attending Chelsea, Fringe or otherwise:( I do hope you will post some highlights for us far away readers. I always enjoy reading your blog and look forward to each new post. I sure wish gardening was taken as seriously on this side of the pond. It seems to me as if almost everyone gardens in GB, but here it is seen as an uncommon hobby. That is unfortunate because it limits selection, nurseries, and so on. Don’t get me wrong, there are serious gardeners, I just don’t personally know any. I must admit that the legalization of cannabis in CA has brought the home gardener a wealth of fancy fertilizers, seed starting supplies, and whatnot, but of course doesn’t help the availability of of good local annuals and perennials.
Anyway, I enjoy your writings and your garden is lovely! Thank you for sharing both. Elizabeth in California
Hi Elizabeth, Delighted that you enjoy my blog, but sorry yo hear that you haven’t met like-minded gardening souls (yet!). Must say, I do feel that I’ve met my gardening tribe in fellow Chelsea Fringers. Maybe you could start up a Chelsea Fringe satellite in S. California for next year?? Twitter may well connect you to others.
And you could also take part this year in Michelle’s #mygardenrightnow over the weekend on June 3rd and 4th where people will be Tweeting pics of what their gardens look like? Would love to see what’s growing in your garden in California at the moment. Naomi in London!
I’ve been watching the floating garden take shape and wondered its purpose – now I know! Guess where I’ll be next Monday lunchtime:)
Hi Sharon. as mentioned to Michelle at Veg Plotting above, the opening for the floating garden is now delayed until May 26th, but still not long to wait now….
Too damp today anyhow. Paddington basin is only lovely on sunny days🌞 thanks for the update
hey Naomi
These all look amazing! i’d love to visit some with you this weekend….. do you have a plan? xx
Yes, I have a plan!! Would be lovely to visit with you. N x