Chelsea 2012: On show

There were lots of quirky displays, interesting artworks and expensive plants on show at Chelsea 2012. Above is one part of a 3 x 24 metre hand-painted canvas, Constructed Nature, by Hugo Dalton.

It was commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society for the show and comprises of drawings done by Dalton of the local area, including the Chelsea Physic Garden (well worth a visit - it is London's oldest botanical garden and has just opened a new Garden of Edible and Useful Plants) and the National Army Museum.

Silk screened, hand-painted panels from the work are available from the Adnipa Gallery measuring 34 x 85cm (with a triptych of all three costing £2,400, or £900 for one).

Hanging lavender sheaves seen on one of the retail outlets on Eastern Avenue.

Glass and metal water features in the form of plants, created by Quist.

A scene from the pit lane in Formula One, recreating The Williams F1 Story in topiary. Topiary was a major theme at Chelsea this year, although none were as imaginative or intricate as this King & Co stand.

A bonsai Satsuki azalea (Rhododendron lateritum kakuoh) that is about 47 years old. It was on the Mendip Bonsai Studio stand, who won their 52nd RHS Gold Medal at Chelsea 2012.

Intricate animal sculptures made from machine parts on the Travellers Finds stand.

They weren’t cheap. The Dragon cost £1,650, and was sold early in the show.

The Bull cost £8,995.

The colourful display of vegetables and herbs created by the Jersey Farmers’ Union included ornate ‘stained glass’ windows made up mainly of differently coloured peppers (capsicums).

There were also displays of tomatoes, specialist and heritage variety vegetables, herbs and Jersey Royal potatoes – although one of the growers said he had to replace the potatoes each day as they turned green in even the limited the daylight in the Great Pavilion.

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' (commonly called Golden Rain or Golden Chain tree). They are apparently about the best Laburnum variety to grow as they produce lots of flowers and few of the poisonous seeds. They can also be trained and used as a wall climber. Seen on the Tendercare stand, this tree would set you back about £2,500.