Making a garden is an act of hope

Just like Yuletide is the highlight of my fandom year, Estival has become the highlight of my Fallen London calendar.

It takes place in the northern hemisphere summer, and unlike the other annual festivals in the game, Estival is a unique story every year. Following Mr Chimes' Grand Clearing-Out in 2021 and F.F. Gebrandt's Prelapsarian Exhibition in 2022, the event for 2023 was the London Horticultural Show. As the official promo said:

Participate in 'flower' arranging. Join the masses competing for the coveted title of 'Best in Show' – or the even more coveted 'Largest Mushroom'. Cultivate unusual greenery (well, brownery) and contribute to the beautification of London in a horticultural event with a Neathy twist.

Growing plants for exhibition and competition! What a lovely thought. Surely this isn't the innocent beginning of a disaster movie.

I originally meant to do a giant post with a detailed recap of all the exciting twists and turns. But it's been nearly three months now, and I've put it off long enough, so here's the highlights version.

Timeline of events (on the wiki)
Promo post 1 (with the "before" poster)
Promo post 2 (with the "after" poster)

( Playing with expectations )

( Favourite moments )

( Favourite scenes )

( Favourite lines )