It's always fun to escape to the world of Bridgerton: the gossip of the society papers, the balls, the gowns. But since we live in a significantly different world than the one brought to us by author Julia Quinn, fulfilling desire generally not possible—until now.
Netflix and Shondaland are partnering to debut a Bridgerton Garden at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show which is thrown in London, the home of the ton, each year.
Visitors can expect a “secretive and secluded space” inspired by Penelope Featherington, the secret voice behind Lady Whistledown's column and the focus of the upcoming season. It's “designed to reflect Penelope’s personal journey,” drawing you in with a show-stopping moon gate and taking you to an ornate water feature and a sunken seating area placed in the center of it all. It's intended to walk viewers through the characters' coming-of-age story, mirroring the plot of the show.
THE RHS
“A shaded space down one half of the garden alludes to themes of mystery, turmoil and defiance; layers of groundcover, ferns and ivy are intended to represent a woven network of secrets,” the RHS website reads. “In contrast, the other half of the garden graduates to a brighter palette of sophisticated colours. This ‘full bloom’ effect is symbolic of Penelope’s embracing of her true self and coming into the light.”
The garden coincides with the upcoming third season, giving fans another way to celebrate what's grown into one of Netflix’s most talked-about series. The first part of the show (there are eight episodes total, split into two parts) debuts on May 16. A few days later RHS Chelsea begins, taking place from May 21 to May 25.
"RHS Chelsea is truly an institution in the UK with such a hugely passionate fan base," Netflix told House Beautiful UK. "In cementing Bridgerton as a beloved franchise in the UK, Netflix wanted to speak directly to the Chelsea audience and celebrate the beauty and opulent English florals that fill our screens in the Bridgerton world."
The garden will include flowers like the snow thimble, white pet roses, a variety of ferns and ivy, and more. These particular blooms were chosen because, according to RHS Chelsea, they represent “confidence, new beginnings, and the evolution of new seasons of life."