RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012

Green-fingered folk will delight again as this annual horticultural show returns to the grounds at Royal Hospital. Over the 11 acres, the event invites visitors to explore a wide range of spectacular gardens – including 16 show gardens – and floral exhibits. This year's show sees a new zone dedicated to the latest in garden technology and innovation, including information about the science of 'urban greening' and how we can make the most of our green spaces. Other highlights for 2012 include Artisan Gardens by designers making use of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship to create spaces inspired by subjects including travel and literature. In the Great Pavilion there's a chance to check out exotic crops and alternative topiary, in addition to displays of plants and flowers by some of the best growers from around the UK. This year also sees the first garden to incorporate work by an animation studio, Unanico Group, using sculpture, video, sound and smell to create the installation 'RHS Glamourlands: A Techno Folly'. RHS Chelsea Flower Show is strictly advance-booking only, with no admission on the gate. The first two days are reserved for RHS members and it’s probably worth joining just to see everything at its freshest. On the final day the show closes at 5.30pm and from 4pm there are great bargains to be had when exhibitors start to sell off their plants – watching people carry their horticultural treasures home by bus and tube is itself something of an annual spectacle.