Hot on the heels of Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in May, this high-summer event takes place in the spectacular grounds of Hampton Court Palace and features gardens as well as marquees showcasing work by some of the country's leading designers and nurseries. There are many opportunities to buy plants, especially at the final-day sale on Sunday, and gardening equipment. The flower show is also noted for its family activities designed to get kids gardening. This year's highlights include a 'World of Gardens', which represents different countries and regions of the world from Switzerland to Russia, the Azores and Jordon, 'Low Cost, High Impact Gardens', a new competition in which landscapers submit a diverse range of gardens achieved within certain budgets, and the 'Hampton Grapevine', a gardening and lifestyle 'chat show' with David Domoney. The are also 'Conceptual Gardens', 'Show Gardens' and 'Summer Gardens', a 'Great Tastes and Artisan Food Market', a 'Grow Your Own' marquee and a rose and floristry Marquee.
The 'RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Exclusive Preview Evening' takes place on July 2 (5.30-10.30pm; from £58). The first two days of the show (July 3 & 4) are reserved for RHS members. Tickets are valid for either the whole day or just the afternoon. Each full-paying adult may bring a maximum of two under-16s free of charge. For full details visit the website: www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events