Chelsea in Bloom: can floral creativity and sustainability blossom together?

Central London's chic Chelsea district is a blooming spectacle this week. That's because the annual Chelsea in Bloom, London's largest free flower festival, has transformed the neighborhood into a riot of natural color.

If you venture into London's wealthiest district you might see beautiful floral displays in the shape of lollipops, roast chicken, muffins and pizza. Such a visual banquet goes to make this year's Chelsea in Bloom look rather tasty, which is apt because this year's theme is 'Floral Feasts.'

Over 100 of the areas' shops, hotels and restaurants are displaying decorations inspired by culinary delights and the foodie scene, celebrating two things that Chelsea is famous for - botanical heritage and fine dining.

The annual event means increased business opportunities for restaurants in the local area as an increasing number of visitors tour Chelsea looking to take photographs of the best designs.

Lebanese restaurant Comptoir Libanais has refreshed its menu for the festival and been handing out free lemonade to entice more customers.

"We do have more customers," said deputy general manager Klaudia Kispal. "The weather is a bit different from last year. We are really missing the sun, so we have to shine even harder. There is no sun.

"Sales-wise, there was an increase from yesterday's sales versus last year. So we are really happy with that. And I'm confident it will keep growing, and we'll be back with higher sales. Let's see how the sun and the weather turns out."

Confetti Club London: "Flowers can be re-loved."

As global climate change looms large, there are concerns about the sustainability of this festival as flower displays contribute to carbon emissions via the process of transporting them on refrigerated vehicles.

To offset part of the event's carbon footprint, many of the flowers are donated to Confetti Club London, a company that recycles used bouquets to make confetti for weddings.

At least 10,000 flowers from Chelsea in Bloom this year will be repurposed this year.

According to Toby Shouls, owner of Confetti Club London: "We're trying to bring more sustainability to everyone, and bring a close look to the use of flowers so the flowers can be loved, re-loved, and at the same time raise money for charity."

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Shouls said it was a shame that not all flowers can be recycled. Those with big petals are preferred by wedding confetti makers.

Over the past two years, Confetti Club London has recycled 100,000 flowers for over 500 weddings, with the proceeds going to charities. 

Chelsea in Bloom is celebrated alongside the famous Chelsea Flower Show - a festival dating back to the 1910s which attracts people from around the world. 

Both events are dedicated to floral creativity, with many hoping that imagination and sustainability can blossom together. 

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