Six alternatives to the Chelsea Flower Show
Missed the Chelsea Flower Show this year? Don't despair - there are still plenty of other opportunities to get your floral fix all over the UK. Here are some of the best garden events still to come in 2018.
Chatsworth Flower Show, Derbyshire, June 6-10
RHS Chatsworth is putting on some exciting new exhibits this year, including its biggest ever display of orchids, showcased in a tropical sanctuary. There's also a 'river of flowers' which features 12,000 colourful planted cosmos. Tickets from £18.50.
BBC Gardeners' World, Birmingham NEC, June 14 -17
The perfect day out for hands-on gardeners, this popular event promises show gardens, a vast floral marquee and gardening experts galore, including Monty Don, Carol Klein and Alan Titchmarsh. Unlike Chelsea, children of all ages are welcome, with their own schedule of free activities. Tickets from £24.
Hampton Court Flower Show, London July 2-8
The world's largest annual gardening show runs at the height of summer, with huge displays of colourful seasonal flowers, gardens and plants. This year sees the introduction of a new Lifestyle Gardens category, dubbed 'real gardens for real people', and the RHS has teamed up with chef Raymond Blanc to design a Kitchen Garden. Tickets from £19.50.
Tatton Park, Cheshire, July 18-22
2018 highlights include a poisonous garden and a vibrant giant sculpture made from thousands of sunshine-yellow summer flowers. Check out the brand new Flower School, where florists and nurseries will be on hand to give expert tips and advice as well as a hub of activities and interactive workshops. Tickets from £23.
Southport Flower Show, August 16-19
Southport is one of the largest and friendliest shows in the country, offering something of interest for amateurs and professionals alike. This horticultural hotbed of activity by the sea is and held in 34 acres of Victoria Park. Tickets £18.50.
Malvern Autumn Show, Worcestershire, September 29-30
A nostalgic celebration of autumn, Malvern offers a mix of plants, celebrities, vegetable growing and cookery workshops for the whole family to enjoy. Don't miss the UK National Giant Vegetable Championship. Tickets from £17.
