Everyone knows about the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but did you know that this year there is a Chelsea Fringe festival running alongside the flower show? Described as the flower show’s punkier upstart cousin, in their own words, “It’s all about harnessing and spreading some of the excitement and energy that fizzes around gardens and gardening.”
The fringe festival is highlighting more alternative garden themes such as guerrilla gardening, sustainability and art and poetry, and the events look intriguing. Completely run by Volunteers, it’s inaugural year looks like a winner. It seems to have a perfect balance of design, eco-warrier and food fun. I know I’d be taking my munchkins down for a spot of seed bombing if I could!
The festival opened on 19 May and is running until 10 June, so if you’re after something a bit out of the box to do this weekend, and you’re in London or close by this is where I would be heading. With so many events and activities, you’ll need to visit their website here. There’s way too many for me to show them all, but here’s a selection.
Guerrilla gardening photography exhibition
Pothole gardening
Boot and shoe gardens in Don’t let the grass grow…move on
Floating Forest on the Grand Union Canal
Pimp your pavement
Edible Bus Stops
Bicycling Beer Garden – my favourite!
Anyone want to shout me a return ticket to London??
Sam
drawnoutdoors 
I never even knew it but I guess I’m a guerrilla gardener. I’ve been gardening out in the parking strip for decades 😀