LONDON - From gardens to inspire younger generations, to havens of peace and sanctuary, to a hothouse space designed to stir desire, the UK's top flower show is flourishing. "We've never needed the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of simply sitting in a garden, more," said Clare Matterson, director of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), in a statement.
Over five days from Tuesday more than 150,000 people are expected to visit the RHS's annual popular Chelsea Flower Show with 30 gardens competing for coveted awards.
Shaking up the normally genteel world of gardening, Aphrodite's Hothouse is described on the RHS website as "the ultimate pleasure garden... lush, fragrant and just a little bit naughty".
It's "a theatrical display" of lust and love, designer James Whiting told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
With pendulous or heart-shaped flowers and suggestive, sculptural blooms, as well some discreet sex toys, the indoor garden has stirred some controversy.
