Here's 6 ideas to action after experiencing RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is possibly the greatest flower show on earth and it's taking place this week! Even when it's gone, it doesn't need to be forgotten aned there are, of course, more flower shows to enjoy – including RHS Hampton Court from 4-9 July. The repercussions from such amazing shows can last forever if you take certain thoughts home with you and then act upon them. These events are a source of inspiration and joy during the actual visit, but why let it end there? There are so many garden tips that you can absorb from these magical events and none of these are beyond the reach of 'normal' gardeners. Here are a few suggestions for benefits that can last forever:

Be bold!

‍The cuddly, life-sized pandas on the Silk Road garden at Chelsea 2017 were certainly eye-catching. As were the colourful plants which emphasise the great potential of bold planting. You probably haven't got space for any giant pandas in your garden. The Silk Road garden at Chelsea Flower Show this year includes a delightful panda duo. They are not real pandas, of course but unfortunate (rather warm) people in panda suits! This colourful garden demonstrates that clashing, bright colours such as pinks, oranges and reds can look great together if you are brave but you need to make it clear that it's intentional. Blousy azaleas and peonies can look perfectly at home alongside brightly coloured walls and features. It's all about being bold and beautifully daring rather than half-hearted about the idea.

Don't cause your plants to feel lonely!

‍This group of Tillandsia usneoides looks wonderful when planted en-masse with Bromeliads - all visually linked by the use of colour. Avoid planting just ones and twos of anything except specimen plants. The photo taken at the Chelsea Flower Show shows how effective trailing Tillandsia usneoides looks when planted en-masse with various Bromeliads, using the colours to link everything together. A truly eye-catching indoor display.

Think outside the box!

Just look what a difference a roof makes! Putting a green roof over a bin storage area can turn this necessary area into a beautiful feature.Look beyond the 'normal' and think how you could make something rather boring turn into a unique feature. For example, you might need some screening or storage for bins, in which case you could consider making it beautiful. The bin storage area in the photo would look really boring without the beautiful green roof and the painted red fascia. It takes up no more room than a space in which to store bins, yet it has become an appealing feature.

Think about form, not just colour.

‍The shape and form of plants is as important as their colour. This tangerine Geum looks wonderful next to the vertical spires of purple Lupins. Consider how well different shapes combine. For example, gorgeous floaty Geums team beautifully  with vertical spires of Lupin and the solid, evergreen, mounded structure of conifers such as Yew and Pinus. Try to avoid putting similar shapes together unless it's intentional in order to create a particular impact.

Lead the eye somewhere that looks interesting

‍A garden path can lead you somewhere interesting. You don't need to see where it ends up - it's far more interesting to have some intrigue. Make sure that you can't see your whole garden in one glance. Paths are not only useful for walking on, but for linking the design and 'leading the eye'. They should make you want to go and explore. Most of the Chelsea Flower Show gardens  have some sort of path that makes them look SO inviting!

Feed the senses!

‍Strawberries, potatoes and tomatoes can all be grown in a tiny space. Consider having some in hanging baskets, bags and containers. Find space in which to grow something you can eat. Your garden can be a productive space and your health will benefit too. You don't need much room if you use hanging baskets in which to grow tomatoes or strawberries; bags in which to grow potatoes, or walls on which you can train a fruit tree. Gardens are great for growing organic food as well as ornamental plants. Growing edibles feeds your enthusiasm too! Make the most of your garden this summer. Visit Perfectplants.co.uk for more inspiration.