WORLD of whimsy

How Bridgerton is taking centre stage at the Chelsea Flower Show

- TESS LAMACRAFT

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW NEW MONDAY-FRIDAY, TIMES VARY, BBC1 & BBC2 FACTUAL

Garden designer Holly Johnston is excited to make her Chelsea Flower Show debut this year with a Bridgerton-inspired secluded and secretive outdoor space laced with whimsical touches.

‘Today I’ve been making some selections for the plants I’m going to use, but things can change right up to the very last minute,’ smiles New Zealander Holly, 33, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive chat about the horticultural project.

Inspired by kind-hearted Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan in Netflix’s hit Regency-era drama, The Bridgerton Garden is one of eight designs in the show’s everpopular Sanctuary Gardens collection. Coverage of the floral celebration will air on BBC1 and BBC2, starting this Sunday with RHS: Countdown to Chelsea (6.15pm, BBC1), hosted by Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift. Here, Holly, who lives in north London, tells us why it’s a dream come true to take part…