From Chelsea to Como – join our Italian garden holiday 

Chelsea is back!

Were you as happy as we were to see RHS Chelsea returning to our screens this week? Organisers put on a great event last autumn, following the cancellation of the May 2021 show, but spring is where Chelsea belongs.

Few things hit home more during the pandemic than our need for outdoor space. Simple things like walking the dog, observing birds in our gardens, or transforming the smallest of spaces into a patio or window-box ‘garden’ became a lifeline, while gardens, parks and other green spaces became our sanctuaries.

Post pandemic, gardens continue to evolve – something not missed on Chelsea’s organisers. One of two new categories at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 is The Still Garden, by Jane Porter, which scooped the top spot in the Balcony & Container gardens category, created with small outdoor spaces in mind.

Sociable breaks with Solos

Knowing how much some of our Solos guests appreciate exploring green spaces, we’ve introduced a garden holiday. New for 2022 is our holiday to Lake Como, in the foothills of the alps. A highlight is our visit to the magnificent Villa Carlotta Gardens and the villages of Bellagio and Tremezzo. We will also spend the day in Milan where we combine a walking tour with free time to further exploration.

The dreamy Villa Carlotta

Set between lake and mountains the 17th century Villa Carlotta is surrounded by ancient trees and exotic plants. Spring’s magnificent azalea and rhododendron blooms are a big draw, as are the glossy camelias with their spectacular flowering. The Italian Garden – characterised by perfect topiary, fountains and water features and terraces – houses the ‘Citrus Tunnels,’ which are heavy with fruit, and is a showcase for the sweetly fragranced Italian roses, Goldener Olymp (yellow) and Harlekin (pink). The beady eyed may spot the garden’s newly added English roses Gertrude Jekyll, with her pink hues, and the delicate apricot petals of Port Sunlight.

Floral celebrations

Talking of English roses, among the 20 new plants introduced at Chelsea this year were the Elizabeth ‘Ausmajesty’ a blossomy rose by David Austin named in honour of The Queen, who has been Royal Patron of the RHS since 1952. Floral tributes are a highlight of this year’s show. At the Bullring Gate entrance, the Platinum Jubilee is celebrated in three wicker crowns covered in sweet peas and columns of foxgloves, geraniums and irises. If you’re visiting the show or watching the daily coverage on BBC2, look out for more Platinum Jubilee tributes.

Have you booked a holiday yet? This four-night Lake Como holiday in Northern Italy has only a few spaces left. Included are a full-day tour of Lake Como including entrance to Villa Carlotta gardens and a private boat transfer to Bellagio, and a half-day guided tour of Milan with entrance to the Duomo.

Visit our website or speak to one of our friendly travel team today 0208 951 2900.