Latest news with #RHSChelseaFlowerShow
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King's royal seal of approval for Weymouth florist
A FLORIST won a royal seal of approval for her spectacular display at Chelsea Flower Show. Denise Jones, from Wyke Regis, won gold in the floristry category, with a nautical showstopper representing the mental health benefits of cold-water swimming. And to make her day, King Charles, who regularly attends the show in Chelsea, was drawn to her substantial flower piece and stopped to discuss the design with her. She said: 'He walked past my exhibit and came over to me and I wasn't on the protocol - it was completely off the cuff. 'He was really interested in the organic shape of the willow structures. It was a really warm conversation and totally unexpected.' Denise, who has been a florist for 25 years, committed to making it her full time job after the pandemic in 2020, but found working in a studio by herself isolating. As a result, she joined The Black Pigs swimming group and found the support, combined with the new hobby, greatly helped the mental health challenges she had been facing. (Image: Denise Jones) She said: 'They are amazing. In the first instance, I joined to sea swim as it's a good mood booster. 'As a group, it's not just about swimming – they check in with me and cheer me on. Even when I couldn't swim, they'd ask how I was doing. They were just amazing.' To represent the groups sense of unity, Denise created Ebb and Bloom: Textures of Emotion, a 3X3m structure in the shape of three waves. It was one of the most ambitious in the competition and represented the tumultuous nature of mental health, with currents that can take people under. The flowers weaved into the structure signified light at the end of the tunnel and were specially selected as plants that represent hope and healing. (Image: Denise Jones) Denise, 58, who had never previously worked with willow, chose the material as it grows close to the sea. She undertook workshops to learn how to work with the new material and the waves took two and a half months to produce. It was then compiled with the floral arrangements and presented on May 24. 'It needed to be impactful and not just a few flower arrangements,' Denise said, 'I created three huge willow waves, designed the frame and weaved green and white willow for the crest. 'The theme [was] that mental health can be overwhelming, so that was the thought process behind it.' (Image: Denise Jones) The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is hosted annually by the Royal Horticultural Society and shows off the work of world-renowned plant specialists, florists and garden designers. Denise qualified for the competition when she competed at the Maulvern Autumn RHS show in September, where she placed 1st against 16 areas in the UK. Speaking of her incredible achievement, she said: 'It is the Wimbledon of the flower world. I'm speechless. It's surreal because it was such a big space and I had a vision, and I can honestly say I was so happy I finished.' 'I didn't even think I'd get a medal [so] to get a gold first time competing, it was surreal.' (Image: Denise Jones) Denise also runs her own workshops in her shop, The Floral Peacock Studio, to boost creativity and wellbeing in the community, as the swimming group did for her. The Black Pigs Swimming Group, named after a boat on Smallmouth Beach, are an open water swimming group based in Weymouth. Many of its members have accredited the group to helping them through turbulent times and mental health issues. Denise said: 'I started sea swimming because I thought it would give me purpose and boost my own mood which it did and that has become a big integral part of my life. 'Two came to see me at Chelsea and they were a big part of that journey. It's an amazing group of people. We're like minded and local and everybody is looking out for everybody else.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles' sense of humour applauded by comic pal who mocks Harry on stage
Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner says King Charles can see funny side of most things even in the royal household Rory Bremner says his friend King Charles has a 'terrific sense of humour' - thankfully, as he ribs the monarch's feud with his son Prince Harry on stage. The comedian and impressionist, who coached Dominic West in preparing for his role on The Crown, says the King takes all his material in good spirits. 'He's got a terrific sense of humour - he's got a great sense of humour,' says Rory. 'I've always liked him. I think he was ahead of his time. He's been wonderfully inspirational.' It's fortunate the pair get on, as Rory's latest joke involves Charles having to entertain US President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit. Rory's joke for his latest tour sees him quip in Charles voice: 'I'm expected to look after every Tom, Dick or… well, maybe not Harry.' In his skit, he makes out Trump's invitation, handed by Sir Keir Starmer, is 'like a red letter day from WH Smith', that he jokes Charles resents. 'He's been landed with the state visit and he's King of Canada,' laughs Rory. 'And Trump's talking about, 'Why don't you be the 51st state?'' As Charles he jokes: 'I would be able to show my face in Canada again. Even on the stamps.' But Rory believes he will see the funny side, as the King told him to 'shut up' when he previously quipped to him: 'In less than a year you've gone from head of state to head of prostate.' Now, Rory says his joke came out unfiltered due to him having ADHD. Speaking in the ADHD Foundation garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show he laughed: 'That's ADHD for you. No filter, it just came straight out.' Rory also sets up Charles as being an avid viewer of the controversial Netflix series in which Dominic portrays him. 'One of the lines I'm using now is the idea of Charles saying, 'I'm just watching The Crown, don't tell me what happens.'' But Rory insists his aim was to help Dominic portray Charles more sympathetically. 'Both Dominic and I sensed that the script was less sympathetic to Charles,' he says. 'We were, both of us, fans, if you like, and both of us like and admire Charles and feel that he's… we just like him. 'And I think one of the things we spoke about was when the script was being unduly unsympathetic, that somehow in the portrayal of the character, he could make Charles a more sympathetic character.' However, he adds: 'We did laugh quite a lot, Dominic West. I don't know how much I helped, I think we spent 45 minutes laughing. It's part of the body language as well.'
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Monty Don's simple roses tip will keep them flowering all summer long
If you want your rose bushes to look their best, the presenter says there's one thing you need to do daily Roses are a symbol of beauty, but to prolong their lifespan, they require proper care. This is particularly crucial during the summer months when temperatures can soar, and plants need regular watering to sustain their photosynthesis. With spring in full swing and summer just around the bend, gardens and patios are awash with stunning, vibrant roses. However, to guarantee their continued blooming, Monty Don has recommended gardeners undertake this straightforward task. June witnesses an abundance of roses in bloom, making them a favourite for summer gardens and floral arrangements. They're a timeless addition to any outdoor area, offering elegance in a variety of colours: red, pink, yellow, orange, blue and more. Each month, Monty Don, renowned for his gardening prowess, shares some of his top tips and tricks on his website to help both experts and novices keep their outdoor spaces as neat and tidy as possible, reports the Mirror. For June, the gardening maestro has offered valuable advice on how to care for roses and ensure their longevity. And the key lies in removing wilting flowers to stimulate new blooms and promote the plant's health. Daily dead-heading of roses is essential He advised: "The secret of keeping any rose flowering as long as possible is to dead-head daily. Do not just pull off the spent petals but use secateurs and cut the spent stem right back to the next leaf or bud below it - however far down that is. This will provoke a side-shoot which in turn will carry more flowers." Monty Don also highlighted the significance of consistent watering for roses during the summer months. In addition, the removal of damaged leaves can prevent the plants from perishing entirely and help them to flourish all year round. By heeding Monty Don's guidance, both novices and seasoned horticulturists can ensure their gardens remain vibrant throughout the summer. A few minutes of daily attention to your roses can promote growth and enhance the overall beauty of your outdoor space. It is equally crucial to water roses diligently, especially when they are freshly planted or subjected to hot, arid conditions. Remember to include this vital step in your gardening routine during June, July and August. Chelsea Flower Show Just last week Monty Don shared his experiences of the intense pressure in creating his inaugural garden at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Monty collaborated with Form Plants horticulturist Jamie Butterworth to cultivate The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden. A known dog lover, frequently seen with his own pet Ned on Gardeners' World, Monty's latest project caters to the mutual enjoyment of gardens by dogs and their owners alike. Monty discussed the upcoming public debut of his garden on an episode of BBC Breakfast with hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
CBB's Angellica Bell gushes blood as she smashes face in horror accident
Fresh out of the CBB house and presenting the BBC coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show, Angellica Bell talks royal encounters and why good pal Alan Carr is a 'danger to her health' Angellica Bell walked out of the Celebrity Big Brother house with her head held high and her heart full. The presenter, 49, has been gracing our screens with her sunny persona for 25 years, starting off on CBBC before taking her place on The One Show sofa and winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, and, most recently, she's been presenting daytime coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Viewers were saddened when she was dropped from The Martin Lewis Money Show in 2023 after six years – but Angellica says now is her time to shine, as she exclusively tells OK! what she learnt about herself in the CBB house, exciting projects on the horizon and her encounters with King Charles. Hi, Angellica! What's the reaction been like since you left the Celebrity Big Brother house? It's been really good. A lot of people have been like, 'It was great to have you back on prime-time TV and see you mucking about and dancing and laughing.' What doors have opened for you following CBB? I've had some development meetings for some shows. Watch this space! It's a really exciting moment for me. I can't wait to see what happens next. I want to be a guest on panel shows. Before I might not have been at the forefront of people's minds to do that, but now I am. Maybe I can bring that fun side. I want people to see that I can be a bit of a fool. I like having a laugh. My friends say I'm the life and soul of the party, cracking jokes. I love a one-liner and a bit of banter. A comedy panel show, that'd be so much fun. Whenever I see Judi Love, I cry with laughter. Same with Alan Carr. I'd love to do something with them. You and Alan must have some fun times? Oh, we do! Alan and I went to the cinema one time and he's like, 'We're gonna leave before the lights go up' because he gets mobbed wherever he goes. We get up when it's still dark, and he goes, 'Come on, come on.' I fell over a foot rest and smashed my mouth. I had blood everywhere. Being his friend is a danger to my health! Are you still in touch with all your new CBB pals? Chesney Hawkes and I have been messaging, Danny Beard and I, too. I've been talking to Patsy Palmer, who's back in LA now. I know Trisha Goddard from way back. Daley Thompson wants to train with me in summer. Michael Fabricant was lovely. He came up to me afterwards and said, 'Thank you so much for giving me time.' It had people from different backgrounds coming together. Mickey Rourke gave me his jumper. He probably learnt a lot from his experience in there. He told me so many incredible stories and asked questions about me and that shows he was interested in other people and learning. I did tell him a couple of times, 'Oi, you can't do that.' But he was open to that. What did the show teach you? That everyone has a place and a purpose. It gave me time to think about how I've been around for 25 years. You go on this treadmill of life. Danny said I should be proud. Sometimes I feel awkward saying that. The times I got emotional in the house were when people were complimenting me, I found that quite uncomfortable. I came out of the house with different skills. Daley was training me. Telling me I was stronger than I think I am. That's growth and personal development. I love that. I was doing handstands with JoJo Siwa. She taught me the jive and Charleston. I learnt you have to carve out time for yourself to have fun, laugh, do something different. It was transformational. I went in wanting a new start and I got it. You mentioned your new dancing skills – could we see you on Strictly Come Dancing next? After I came out, lots of people said you need to be doing Strictly because of your dancing. I wouldn't mind it, maybe the Christmas special. I'd be petrified! How was presenting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? Brilliant, we were giving take-home tips for people's gardens. Outside spaces are great for mindfulness and the show gardens are amazing. So is the fashion. I wore a tea dress designed for me. It's red with a rose pattern. The print is gorgeous. Tell us about some of your celebrity spots there over the years… I've met the King there! We bumped into each other. Then we crossed paths again and he said, 'Are you following me?' He's got a great sense of humour. It's not the first time I've seen him. I did The Great British Village Show with Alan Titchmarsh and James Martin. The final was at Highgrove. Alan introduced me to the then Prince. He said, 'I can tell you eat your vegetables, you've got amazing skin.' Camilla came afterwards, she said, 'I watch you with my grandchildren.' Wow, that must have been a career highlight! Anything else that sticks out for you? Winning Celebrity MasterChef. I said no initially. I don't like pressure. But I love cooking. That's a lesson – you should push yourself out of your comfort zone. I had a cookbook on the back of it. It was an incredible experience. I've interviewed George Clooney and Oprah. It's nuts. I've always been around, I've always worked. But there are peaks and troughs. Just be yourself and it usually works out.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Chelsea Flower Show medal for Rutland designer's bird garden
A Rutland-based garden designer has won a medal at her first RHS Chelsea Flower Oakey received a silver gilt for highlighting the plight of the UK song bird in her show SongBird Survival Garden aimed to show the narrative of a bird's daily life with a birdhouse den made from reclaimed materials showing motifs of threatened UK and Stacey actress Alison Steadman was one of the visitors to the garden and said she had picked up some tips to attract birds into her own garden. Ms Oakey said she wanted to include three elements, "shelter, water and food that are instrumental to birds' lives" in her garden. "My design is inspired by the movement and perspective of a bird, foraging for food and water while moving between points of safety and shelter."Two pathways weave between layers of planting, mimicking how birds prefer to move through a network of cover," she Oakey said the garden featured a birdhouse den made from reclaimed materials, with bird-friendly planting which provides natural sources of food and nesting material. 'Family tradition' Ms Oakey said her parents were florists and avid orchid growers, who had won seven gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show previously. She said: "It's just lovely to be able to follow in their footsteps. "It's exciting to follow the family tradition and come to Chelsea." Once the Chelsea Flower show has finished, Ms Oakey says the whole garden will be relocated. "We're taking it on a lorry up to Hull to its permanent home with the Neighbourhood Network Charity, who manage a bustling community centre, based in Bransholme."It currently doesn't have an outside space, so it'll create a lovely place for people to sit and an oasis for birds in the city," she said.
