Episodes
1. Preview Show
May 17, 2009
Alan Titchmarsh presents an exclusive preview of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. On the eve of the opening day, there is a first look at the show gardens and the floral exhibits in the great pavilion. Also, the emotional inspiration that lies behind the garden of one Italian designer making his Chelsea debut.
2. Day 1 Part 1
May 18, 2009
Alan Titchmarsh, Nicki Chapman and the team present a one-hour programme from the celebrated Royal Hospital grounds as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show week kicks off. Alan and Joe Swift get away from it all in gardens that pay tribute to some of the nation's favourite holiday destinations, both in the UK and abroad. There is also a chance to go behind the scenes during the build-up to the show with the Royal Horticultural Society's show manager.
3. Day 1 Part 2
May 18, 2009
Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift are at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, reflecting upon the Britons' national obsession with gardening. There is a look at the overseas designers putting their own spin on the quintessential English gardening style and a preview of a garden that boasts some very strange planting schemes. Plus a special Chelsea report from a gardening celebrity, which includes an exclusive look at their own private garden.
4. Day 2 Part 1
May 19, 2009
It is medals day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and Nicki Chapman and Andy Sturgeon are up early to share all the excitement and heartache as the judges give their verdict.
5. Day 2 Part 2
May 19, 2009
It is judgement day at the Chelsea Flower Show. After months of hard work in pursuit of horticultural perfection, the designers and exhibitors face the judges' critical eyes. As the all-important medals are announced, Alan Titchmarsh and the team have the latest news from the flower show.
6. Day 3 Part 1
May 20, 2009
The pulling power of plants is examined in this edition, presented by Andy Sturgeon and Nicki Chapman. Andy gives a master class on how to design with plants, and there is a tribute to the current West End show Calendar Girls, with a cheeky, year-long look at floral displays for every season.
7. Day 3 Part 2
May 20, 2009
A look at some of the world's most threatened plants, as Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift host another visit to RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They are joined by gardening presenter Christine Walden, who learns more about an exhibit in the Great Pavilion which is helping to guarantee the future of the planet. There is also a chance to catch up with the RHS show manager as the cameras follow her hectic schedule in the build-up to opening.
8. Day 3 Part 3
May 20, 2009
A feast for the senses is on offer as Chelsea celebrates the appeal of plants to all five senses. While Carol Klein looks at the lingering perfumes of the Great Pavilion, Rachel de Thame meets Zita Elze, the Brazilian florist who literally paints with flowers. Plus presenter and comedian Liza Tarbuck joins Alan on the sofa to give her own overview of the show as well as a private look at her garden.
10. Day 4 Part 2
May 21, 2009
Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift examine the latest gardening trends to emerge from the Chelsea Flower Show, plus an exclusive look at the private garden of politician and passionate gardener Ken Livingstone as he visits the show.
11. Day 5 Part 1
May 22, 2009
Nicki Chapman and Andy Sturgeon meet the seasoned veterans and the new recruits working at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. And with the show now open to the general public, it is time to see what plants are catching visitors' eyes.
12. Day 5 Part 2
May 22, 2009
A growing passion for gardening is on the menu at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift learn how plants have been instrumental in changing the careers of several exhibitors. The RHS show manager also shares her thoughts on the challenges different exhibitors can bring her in the weeks leading to the event.
13. Day 5 Part 3
May 22, 2009
Every year Chelsea attracts a very mixed bunch of people, united in a common obsession for plants. As the 2009 flower show nears its end, Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift celebrate those exhibitors and designers who have come together from all walks of life to create this week-long floral extravaganza. Also, an exclusive peek over the garden fence into another garden owned by a well-known celebrity.
