2012

Season 7 · 2012 · 16 episodes

Episodes

1Episode 1Alan Titchmarsh, Carol Klein and James Wong take an exclusive peek at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show 2012 in this preview of the event. With show opening only hours away, they are joined by Nicki Chapman and Toby Buckland to see what gardening's greenest fingers are exhibiting this year in the Great Pavilion and show gardens. Joe Swift reveals the inspiration behind his first ever Chelsea garden, and Diarmuid Gavin unveils his high-rise pyramid garden.
2Episode 2Nicki Chapman and Toby Buckland explore the exhibits created to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, ahead of the monarch's visit to the horticulture show. There is also a chance to see new plants named after members of the royal family, and florist Simon Lycett joins Nicki to produce an arrangement dedicated to Constance Spry, the woman responsible for floral displays in Westminster Abbey for the coronation in 1953.
3Episode 3Cliff Richard joins Alan Titchmarsh to discuss his Barbados garden, and there is a look at the holiday destinations reflected in the horticulture show's displays. Plus, how the landscape of South Africa has been captured in an instalment by the country's Botanical Garden of Kirstenbosch.
4Episode 4Alan Titchmarsh presents some of the year's most memorable show-garden designs, spots notable celebrity visitors attending the horticultural event, and sees the new flowers being launched in the Great Pavilion. Plus, garden writer James Alexander-Sinclair explores how the show is marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
5Episode 5Nicki Chapman discovers which of this year's gardens have been awarded medals, and Chris Beardshaw tours the gold medal-winning exhibits with Carol Klein and James Alexander-Sinclair. Elsewhere, Rachel de Thame reveals who has won Young Florist of the Year.
6Episode 6Alan Titchmarsh and Carol Klein talk to some of this year's gold medal-winning designers and exhibitors, and reveal who has won the Best in Show award. Rachel de Thame also learns what it takes to win the President's award in the Great Pavilion.
7Episode 7Nicki Chapman and Toby Buckland give advice on how to choose plants suitable for a particular garden, including which can withstand the most hostile of conditions and a masterclass on identifying types of soil. Plus, Toby finds out which flower has been voted RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year.
8Episode 8Alan Titchmarsh explores Mediterranean-themed exhibits, and takes a tour of designer Tom Hoblyn's Italian renaissance garden. He also visits the Great Pavilion for flower gazing, with a focus on plants that thrive in southern Italy and the surrounding islands.
9Episode 9Alan Titchmarsh looks back on the day's events with an emphasis on exhibits promoting wild flowers and wildlife. Designer Diarmuid Gavin discusses his plans to promote plant growth in urban areas with his 80ft pyramid garden, there is a masterclass in creating wild flower meadows in cities, and cook Mary Berry talks about her lifelong passion for gardening.
10Episode 10Nicki Chapman and Chris Beardshaw examine the themes and trends dominating this year's show, including the most innovative ideas to tackle the effects of the drought. Plus, Alys Fowler discovers new edibles and there is a look at the latest gardening gadgets.
11Episode 11Alan Titchmarsh and Rachel de Thame discover how themes of water, boundaries and the British countryside are dominating the exhibits at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. Chris Beardshaw explores radical ideas for sustainable horticulture, last year's Best in Show winner Cleve West discusses topiary, and designer Jo Thompson reveals why her journey to build her garden began with a caravan.
12Episode 12Nicki Chapman and Chris Beardshaw explore the works of designers who have taken their inspiration from renowned writers, and Jonathan Moseley from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies demonstrates how to create a display inspired by painter Monet.
13Episode 13Alan Titchmarsh pays tribute to the craftsmanship at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, presenting a profile of designer Arne Maynard, who also explains how his gardens are created with reference to their local landscapes. Event manager Alex Denman explores the life of the Edwardian nurseryman dubbed the founding father of the show.
14Episode 14Alan Titchmarsh, Nicki Chapman and Chris Beardshaw close coverage of this year's horticultural contest by attending the plant sell-off. They also discover which show garden has been voted the winner of the RHS People's Award, and share their favourite tips from the event.
15Episode 15As the event draws to a close, presenters Alan Titchmarsh and Chris Beardshaw reflect on the most impressive gardens and nurseries. Plus, there is a look back at some of the more unusual entries, including a topiary corgi and floral scaffold.
16BBC One 5.20pm