Chelsea was a dazzling hit again last month, but London doesn’t have the monopoly on flower power. There’s still time to plan a visit to other shows where you can buy plants, pick up valuable tips on garden design – or simply smell the roses.
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, provides a magnificent backdrop for a day out admiring the prize blooms and enjoying talks by the likes of the BBC’s Monty Don, Joe Swift and Groundforce team of Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh. Centrepiece of the show is the 25,000 sq.ft. Grand Floral Pavilion. June 20-22
Billed as the world’s largest annual flower show, the RHS Hampton Court Palace event is another held in the grandest of settings. There will be three themed zones, with highlights including a celebration of 50 years of Britain in Bloom, a circus-themed rose marquee and market-style shopping, along with fabulous show gardens and designer displays covering projects for all budgets. July 8-13
The RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Knutsford, Cheshire, has a reputation for fine summer perennials and is promising innovative garden design, a Ladies Day and competitions for flowerbeds and RHS Young Designer of the Year. July 23-27
If you’re seeking accommodation for Tatton Park, the nearby Alderley Edge Hotel has special packages which include admission to the show. These start at £130 for two people sharing with b&b, or £180 with dinner also included.
The Queen’s Norfolk retreat of Sandringham hosts its 133rd annual one-day show. In addition to show gardens and competitions for local garden clubs, there will be dog, equine and motorcycle displays, and music from the Essex Police Band and Yorkshire Marching Band. July 30
The last RHS show is the Malvern Autumn Show, where visitors can enjoy the summer harvests, local food and drink and cookery demonstrations. Plus, of course, the last of the year’s magnificent blooms. September 27-28
