How to survive a flower show
Get the most from Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace and other fantastic flower and landscape garden shows with these insider tips
Flower shows are the Oscars, Baftas and Ivor Novellos of the horticultural world. There are loads of them over the course of the gardening calendar and you don’t have to be an expert to attend.
Chelsea, which kicks off on Tuesday and runs until next weekend, is the most famous flower and landscape garden show in the UK – and possibly in the world.
If you’ve missed tickets for this year, don’t fret – there are plenty of great shows throughout the summer you can still book.
Some people find the big horticultural shows a bit intimidating and, truth be told, they can be a little daunting to the beginner.
But flower shows are a fantastic experience you don’t want to miss. So here are a few tips to make any show an easy and really rewarding day out:
First, always research the show before you go. Print off a map from the website so you can circle the areas you want to visit and plan your day.
It will stop you aimlessly fighting crowds or arguing where you want to go next with your partner.
And it pays to go prepared. If you have any friends who have been before, ask their advice.
Each showground has its pros and cons, so research is always a priority – from where to park for easiest access to the best place to have a cuppa.
Take some pictures of your garden along – general shots or specific plants you need advice on.
And even bring along a leaf or twig if you want to identify a pest or blight.
You will be able to take advantage of the huge array of expert opinions. And don’t be shy – you will find almost everyone is happy to help, whether amateur or professional.
If you are buying any plants or furniture, you will be able to work out whether they are suitable before lugging them home.
It might sound obvious but make sure you are dressed properly. Sturdy shoes for a big show are a must for traipsing around a large site.
Clothing should reflect the forecast. A hat and brolly are always a good idea and many people bring shopping baskets on wheels for their purchases.
If the forecast is for showers, visit the outside exhibits while it is dry and save the marquees for later, when it starts to really chuck it down.
Avoid the queues by arriving early. Get in there as soon as the show opens, if you can. You will get round a lot of the floral displays, marquees and show gardens before the crowds arrive.
Lunch early and you can keep one step ahead of the mob. And take bottled water with you – it will save you queuing up for refreshments
and will keep you going so you can enjoy as much of the showground as possible.
A few simple snacks on the hoof will work a treat too, to keep your sugar levels high and your energy up.
Make sure you check out all the entertainment. There are usually expert talks on all sorts of gardening subjects. Again, plan in advance and arrive early for these.
It is often free and can be brilliantly informative. When you are shopping at flower shows, don’t be afraid to negotiate – especially if you are buying in bulk.
There’s no harm in asking for a discount. The later in the day, or later in the show, it is, the more chance you have of getting one.
Remember, asking never hurt anyone. You can buy bulbs, tubers, corms, seeds and a selection of smaller plants in the Grand Pavilion at Chelsea.
But if you are looking for a wide range of plants or bulk buying, then the RHS Hampton Court Palace show in July will be right up your street. There is a stunning variety of plants to buy at its grand Floral Marquee.
At some RHS shows, you can also make use of the RHS porters who will be happy to help you transport your purchases to your car for a small fee.
There may also be a plant creche where they will keep your garden goodies safe until you are ready to go home. Because there is no point loading yourself down so much that you can’t enjoy the show.
Just a little bit of planning and preparation will ensure you enjoy the show to the maximum – and even save you a bit of money into the bargain.
The next major show is the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show which takes place in the beautiful grounds of the ancestral home in the heart of the Peak District from June 7 to 11.
And if you are at Chelsea this year, don’t miss the RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden.
It promotes the wonderful campaign to stop the hard landscaping of Britain’s front gardens and get people planting again. You can also see my show garden, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Centenary Garden, in the Artisan Garden section at Chelsea.
At Hampton, you can find me at the RHS Celebrity Theatre, sponsored by Everest Home Improvements.
I will be among the experts giving talks and advice, so do come and say hello.