The Chelsea Flower Show is the prestigious highlight of the British gardening year. To celebrate the "New Show" in May 2000 distinguished gardening journalist Leslie Geddes-Brown presents a richly detailed behind-the-scenes view of this much-loved institution. This superbly illustrated book gives a fascinating insider's view of the exhilarating race-against-the-clock transformation of the Royal Hospital which includes erecting a giant marquee setting up a catering "village" shifting 600 tonnes of soil and laying several kilometres of water pipes - all miraculously achieved in just 21 days. Leslie Geddes-Brown presents an unforgettable portrait of the people involved capturing their indefatigable "Chelsea spirit". The Greatest Flower Show on Earth encompasses the entire history of this legendary event from 1913 to the present day. It's all here from the outstanding plants sublime exhibitions and talented designers to downpours of torrential rain personality clashes and other mishaps. As well as explaining the judging process and how the organizers decide who should exhibit the author also offers a revealing social history of the Chelsea show: royal visits cherished traditions and changing fashions. Featuring photographs from the past and the present this sumptuous book is the definitive guide to the world's most famous flower show.