From Blenheim Palace Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court to the delightful lesser-known shows that take place up and down the country, spring and summer in Britain are packed with an abundance of floral delights. Often using striking designs and innovative events to highlight important issues such as wellbeing, sustainability and community through yearly themes, a trip to a British flower show is sure to leave visitors truly inspired. Diaries at the ready, here’s our round-up of some of the fabulous shows to visit once we are ready to travel again.
National Flower Show at Hylands House
Set in the grounds of the spectacular Hylands House and Estate in Essex, the National Flower Show is an important date in Britain’s horticultural calendar. The Floral Pavilion is often the centre of the show, providing inspiration as exhibitors present the finest plants and flowers as they compete to be crowned Best in Show. On top of an array of gardening talks that make up each show’s packed programme, visitors also have an opportunity to participate in floral workshops, although participation in these will be limited. In past years, entry to the impressive Hylands House, Gardens and Parkland has been included with entry to the show.
When: 19th -21st May
Blenheim Palace Flower Show
The Blenheim Palace Flower Show offers three days of stunning flower displays, mouth-watering food and drink and inspiration for both the home and outdoors. Visitors can enjoy gardening talks with celebrity guests and explore the Pollinators Paradise Show Gardens, before casting an eye over the entries for Best in Show in the Grand Floral Pavilion, all in the shadow of the magnificent Blenheim Palace. 2021 will see the brand new Floral Street come to life, set to create a unique walkway awash with exhibitor’s most beautiful blooms.
When: 23rd-25th June
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
With floral displays bursting with colour, eye-opening workshops and a chance for some unique horticultural shopping in one of Britain’s most historic spots, visitors can look forward to soaking up a mid-summer festival atmosphere at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. As well as the iconic Festival of Roses, future visitors can take time to walk through the Floral Marquee and marvel at the collection of ‘Show, Lifestyle and Global Impact Gardens’, both set to inspire gardening fans.
When: 4th-9th Jully
RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
Rich gardening inspiration, entertaining family activities and hands-on workshops are just some of what is on offer at the annual RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Visitors can gain horticultural inspiration in the magnificent Floral Marquee and Plant Village, alongside Dig-In Live, where edibles will be the main focus of the talks theatre. Guests can peek into the future of horticulture as they meet the new stars of garden design as part of the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition. Those looking for ideas for small-scale green spaces can also enjoy the Back to Back gardens and vibrant Community Borders.
When: 19th-23rd July
Chorley Flower Show
The annual Chorley Flower Show hopes to once again transform Astley Park into a blaze of colour, as horticultural exhibitors and florists descend on the heart of Lancashire. As well as plenty of garden designs and exciting species, 2021 will include a photography competition, tips from gardening experts, and an amateur marquee packed full of beautiful plants and shrubs.
When: 30t July
Shrewsbury Flower Show
Attracting exhibitors from all over Britain, the Shrewsbury Flower Show is home to spectacular entertainment, celebrity chefs and a wealth of stunning flower collections. Gardening fans can look forward to the UK’s top nurseries displaying their plants in the Quarry Marquee, while the Lecture Marquee will host talks from leading industry experts throughout the show. Alongside a space for amateur growers to showcase their skills, past events have included a special section for bee keeping and honey exhibitors. Traditionally, a magnificent firework display brings an end to proceedings.
When: 11th - 12th August
