The real star of the Chelsea Flower Show
There are many 'firsts' at this year's Chelsea Flower Show: held in September it's the first ever autumn show, it's also being held across six days for the first time, and autumn's harvest has taken centre stage in the Great Pavilion in the biggest display with a selection of squashes and pumpkins.
One such pumpkin, or more specifically a giant pumpkin weighing almost 800lb that's affectionately called Greta, has now made history at RHS Chelsea too.
Head straight to the Great Pavilion and in seconds you'll spot wonderful displays of fruit and vegetables. Even the gardens on the showground are full of edibles, as designers are making the most of the autumn bounty with trees full of fruit and berries.
Greta is part of RHS Hyde Hall's Global Growth Vegetable garden; a colourful autumnal display of pumpkins, squashes, chillies, seeds and other unusual edible plants.
This display sits the within The Great Pavillion Piazza created by Villaggio Verde, which, staged around the Monument, is a celebration of autumn in all its glory with seasonal plants and produce including gentians, asters, dahlias, autumnal foliage, rosehips, apples and lots of squash, gourds and pumpkins.
Greta was grown by Ben White from Essex, who started growing giant vegetables as a hobby four years ago. 'I bought some giant pumpkin seeds and just got the bug,' Ben told The Telegraph. 'They've grown bigger and bigger each year.'
Greta the pumpkin was lifted into a van on a pallet and wrapped in foam padding before being transported to Chelsea. Once at Chelsea, a forklift truck was used to move it into position.
From a sleepy tot to curious celebs and proud Chelsea pensioners, the massive pumpkin has proved hugely popular at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. See it up close with these photos below.
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