Work has started in transforming the 11 acre site at the Royal Hospital into a surreal collection of different gardens on many different themes.
Over the coming weeks over 6,200m of track-way will be laid; the Great Pavilion, an 11,000m structure that 500 buses could park in, will be created; dozens of structures, including nine restaurants, a press tent, which over 1,000 press will utilise, will be built and the BBC will install up to 20 miles of cabling.
Forty seven show gardens will be created by teams of landscapers and plants-men and on Monday 21 May all the displays will judged by a total of 120 judges, including carnivorous plant and bonsai experts.
At the helm of this military operation are four women from the RHS, who will be managing the equivalent of at least three battalions.
Alex Baulkwill, Show Manager, is responsible for 600 exhibitors and for making sure they produce gardens and displays at the world class standard that Chelsea is renowned for.
Based in site cabins, at the showground, for the next seven weeks, Alex and her three assistants will cover every aspect of the show from start to finish.
Alex Baulkwill, said "It is an exciting and challenging time. We have just 26 days to transform 11 acres of what is literally a field into the first event of the summer season, with fabulous gardens, vibrant and colourful horticultural displays, exhibits showcasing desirable gardening products and all the trimmings, such as quality catering, that come with providing our visitors with a special day out".
157,000 visitors are expected to pass through the turnstiles of this prestigious event between the 22 and 26 May.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place on 22-26 May 2007 (22 & 23 May: RHS members only. 23 May all day tickets now sold out) Tickets must be booked in advance on 0870 247 1226 or online.
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