LONDON (Reuters) – Some spectators at London’s Chelsea Flower Show wouldn’t be caught dead with one in the boot of their Bentley, but garden gnomes have turned up at the show’s 100th edition this year, for charity.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which runs Chelsea in the grounds of the Christopher Wren-built Royal Hospital Chelsea, has lifted a ban on the ceramic figures with floppy hats and beards in order to raise funds for an RHS charity that supports the use of gardens in schools.
Some 100 gnomes decorated by singer Elton John, actress Helen Mirren, “Downton Abbey” screenwriter Julian Fellowes and other celebrities have taken up residence by the Great Pavilion at the heart of the show. They are also up for auction on e-Bay.
Sarah Easter, acting show manager, told Reuters the RHS was keen to have a bit of fun with the gnomes, but also wants to underscore the importance of getting children out in the fresh air to learn about flowers, vegetables and fruit.
