Skip to Content

The Arts Intel Report

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Poppy Sturley, “Even a Wallflower Can Bloom,” 2024.

May 21–25, 2024
Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea, London SW3, UK

One of the delights of the Bridgerton enterprise is its approach to flowers—bursting, painterly, even confectionary in the way blooms complement the cakes and pastries that grace almost every scene. In blossoming synchronicity, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is taking place just as Bridgerton Season Three has dropped, and the London Gate at the flower show acknowledges the moment. Designed by Poppy Sturley, a rising star in the field of English floristry, the entrance of flowery swirls and garlands draws inspiration from the Regency era, of course, but also from Alexander McQueen’s dresses in the 2019 “Roses” exhibition, which was curated by Sarah Burton. Meanwhile, the up-and-comer Holly Johnson is designing a Bridgerton Garden for the show, sponsored by Netflix. Poppy and Holly (!!) have discussed their designs with each other, aiming to capture this season’s main theme: Penelope Featherington’s emergence in society, signaled by her switch from peppy citrus colors of orange and yellow to moon-glow gowns of amethyst and star sapphire. —Laura Jacobs