However, the 2020 season was rather different from the many that had gone before. Covid was raging around the world, and many of the events were cancelled or postponed. The loss of opportunities to sip champagne and rub shoulders with toffs was, of course, insignificant compared with the misery and loss caused by the pandemic.
Nevertheless, as life in most parts of the world has returned to near-normal, it’s good to welcome back the season. The tradition – as seen in Bridgerton – dates from the time before the First World War when the aristocracy left their country estates, settled in their London residences and attended grand balls and other social events.
It traditionally ended on the Glorious Twelfth, Aug. 12, the start of the shooting season, when the aristos headed back to their country seats to massacre game birds.
One of the curtain-raisers, the Chelsea Flower Show, was cancelled in 2020, with online offerings laid on to create a virtual version. Last year the show was delayed to September from its traditional May slot. This played havoc with exhibitors’ plans, as they have to ensure that the flowers they display bloom bang on time.
The world’s most prestigious and best-loved flower show dates back to 1862, when the Royal Horticultural Society staged the first Great Spring Show in the London borough of Kensington. Since 1912 it has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home for ex-soldiers. Residents, known as Chelsea Pensioners, wear distinctive scarlet coats and add colour to the guests wandering around the show.
