It’s showtime
Make the most of summer flower shows with these insider tips so you won’t miss out on bargain buys, plant secrets and meeting all the celebrities
Going to a flower show is a great day out – whether you are a brilliant gardener or not. And if you do love your garden, well, you will be in heaven.
With stunning floral exhibits, interactive displays to amaze and all the Pimm’s you could possibly drink, there’s no better day out.
Flower shows are hosted up and down the country all summer, showcasing plants in their prime and offering insight, loads of great inspiration and gorgeous new plants.
The RHS Hampton Court Palace event, from July 2-8, is the largest flower show in the world and is well worth a visit.
But there are plenty of smaller ones taking place that are just as special, so do some research to find one close to you.
And make sure you follow these top tips to help you plan and prepare for a perfect summer day out.
First, do your homework. Flower shows can be big events spanning acres of showground, with a myriad things to see and do.
Make sure you get the best from the show by checking the events page before you travel, printing off a map and marking down all the things you don’t want to miss.
There are often fantastic celebrity talks and demonstrations, so scrub up on the timetables in advance so you can arrive there early and grab a decent seat.
It’s a great way to give yourself a break from all the shopping and walking and stop yourself getting too worn out.
If you’ve any friends who have been before, ask their advice.
Each showground has its pros and cons, so research is always a top priority, from where to park for easiest access to where the best place to have a cuppa is.
It can be a bit busy... there is so much to choose from – plants, garden furniture, buildings, garden ornaments, food and country crafts.
And be prepared. Dress sensibly for a day that involves plenty of walking, bearing in mind some shows make use of grassy areas not just pathways. Wear comfy clothes and don’t forget to keep checking the weather forecast so you can bring your sun hat – or rain coat and brolly.
If rain is predicted for a certain time in the day, arrange your visit around the weather and plan trips to the marquees during that time.
That way, you can make the most of outdoor features while it is dry.
And pack plenty of bottled water
Finding good parking and the best place for a cuppa is essential
and cereal bars to keep you going throughout the day. Arriving early will give you a first look at some of the show’s best features before the crowds pour in.
Plus, if you arrive early on, then you can stop for lunch at around midday, when the vendors will be quieter and the food will be nice and fresh.
Once you are done, you’ll be able to enjoy the trade stands at your leisure as the masses head for their grub. Take advantage of the gardening experts at the show by bringing photographs of your own garden or projects you need help with.
Plant breeders will have valuable insights into the care and growing of the plants they sell, so always noise them up for tips and tricks.
At food stalls, many specialist producers will be happy to let you sample goods such as cheese and honey before you buy them. So don’t be shy. And when you’re shopping at flower shows, don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially if you are buying in bulk.
Towards the end of the event, many displays themselves are sold off. So look out for those bargains – go hunting on the last day.
If you are planning on doing a lot of shopping, many shows will have porters – young people with wheelbarrows – available who will be happy to help you ferry your purchases back to the car. Or there may even be a plant crèche, where they can be looked after for the day to save you lugging them around in the sun.
No matter how gorgeous the plants, there is no point loading yourself up so much that you can’t enjoy the show.
Just a little bit of planning and preparation will ensure you enjoy it to the maximum – and maybe even save a bit of money too.