Wake up and smell the flowers

Flowers are big business in these northern European countries, with a flurry of activity taking place in May. Float between events and show gardens on a river cruise, learning gardening tips along the way. TV presenter Charlie Dimmock will be joining a River Cruise Line departure, taking in some of the highlights, accompanied by Gardeners’ World’s Joe Swift. Visit South Holland’s Keukenhof Gardens and admire displays at the National Botanical Garden of Belgium, the Appeltern Gardens and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.

The River Cruise Line (rivercruiseline.co.uk; 01858 435 655) offers a seven-day Spring Gardens in Holland & Belgium cruise from £945pp (two sharing) in an en-suite cabin, aboard the MS Serenity on fullboard basis, including return coach travel from the UK, ferry crossing from Dover, entry to the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia Spring Flower Show. Departs 3 May. ■