M&S Flowers | Chelsea Flower Show 2018

Gosh, can you believe it's time for the Chelsea Flower Show again?  It comes around so quickly each year!  You won't catch me complaining though, as for the past few years it's become an annual occasion of mine to attend with my mum (hello member day!) and soak up all things floral.  Tuesday 22nd May marks the beginning of the popular show and Saturday 26th May sees it come to a close.  As always, there is so much to see and I'm hugely excited to pop along this week (camera by my side, of course!) and share some of the most spectacular elements here on A Glass Of Ice.  Speaking of which, Marks & Spencer are exhibiting at Chelsea Flower Show and it's set to be incredible - make sure to swing by their display should you be visiting this year!  But more on that later, for now, it's time to take a peek at Marks & Spencer's new summer flowers and their colourful bouquets inspired by the Chelsea exhibit...

Edit: to avoid confusion, these photos are not of the show - this scene is in my back garden!

Confession: I've been having a hard time controlling my excitement at being surrounded by all of these beautiful blooms!  Their arrival on my doorstep created the perfect excuse to enjoy an al fresco meal consisting of sugar, sugar and more sugar.  Meringues topped with raspberries and blueberries, mini lemon drizzle cakes, Battenberg cake and more.  My favourite feature?  The special edition M&S flower celebration cake (in store only) featuring an array of colourful icing flowers covering the most delicious sponge and butter icing. What a way to kick off this fabulously floral week!    

Psst!  Much of the homeware and all of the tasty treats (and most of the drinks) seen in this post can be found at Marks & Spencer. Mmm...

So, like what you see?  All of these brilliant blooms can be found at Marks & Spencer, either online or in store.  The three you can get your paws on straight away online include the Chelsea Bouquet, Scented Stocks Abundance and The Collection Peony Bouquet.  Peonies have long been my favourite flower and so needless to say they've received most of my attention over the past few days.  Although, having said that, I've developed a definite fondness for the more colourful bouquets shown here at the top of the table (and available in store).  Unusual mixtures of sunflowers, roses and alliums  give a hint of what to expect from the M&S exhibit at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.  A celebration of summer, for sure, thanks to Simon Richards; the brains behind the garden and instrumental in the 3 consecutive gold medals M&S has won at Chelsea!  

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M & S   |   T H E   F L O R A L   M A R K E T 

''This year's garden is inspired by British flower markets (including Covent Garden Piazza, The Floral Hall and Borough Market) with abundant displays of flowers and plants, showcasing the best in seasonal blooms from the UK and abroad.''

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Personally, I feel as though inspiration couldn't have been found in a better place for their exhibit in the Grand Pavilion at Chelsea this year.  British flower markets have always captured people's attention, but more so than ever lately thanks to a surge in the constant search for 'Instagrammable' displays and backdrops.  Nothing screams of summer louder than arrays of colour-injected bouquets and cheerful flower arrangements.  They prompt us each to think of al fresco dining, indulgent picnics and garden walks enjoyed with an ice cream in hand.  Yep, I take my (sun) hat off to M&S this year, that's for sure.  I'm super excited to take a peek at their exhibit this week, in particular checking out the Orchid Stall, Greenwall and no doubt beautiful... Floral Pavement!  Yes, you read that right! 

Amazingly, my bouquets have both lasted and bloomed since receiving them a week ago tomorrow.  The peonies are opening up beautifully and have ended up the size of my outstretched hand.  Needless to say, I seized the opportunity to include a couple of the bouquets in outfit photos and so you can expect to see them make a few more appearances here on the blog/Instagram over the next couple of weeks!  Ugh, if only life could be lived continuously surrounded by jaw-droppingly beautiful, colourful bouquets...

I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this floral extravaganza!  Have any of the M&S bouquets shown in this post caught your eye? Have you ever visited Chelsea Flower Show before?  Let me know in the comments below!

Edit: to avoid confusion, these photos are not of the show - this scene is in my back garden!

Liked this post?  You might also enjoy >> M&S Flowers | Mother's Day Floral Display Tips

With love,

Gabrielle x

Thanks to Marks & Spencer for sponsoring this post!