This year marks the 25th year anniversary of the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. And this year, much like in previous years the show was grand as ever! It is the largest annual flower show in the world and set in the sprawling grounds of Hampton Court Palace, there are so many things to see and so much to do that it is not unheard of that a full days visit is not enough to see everything. And with the summer heat currently hitting most parts of the UK, the temptation to just be there, have plenty of pauses, soak in the festive ambience, and just enjoy being there is very high!
We had a fabulous time yesterday, seeing as many of the attractions as we could, catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones, lots of drink and nibbles, and culminating it by witnessing a grand fireworks display that ended the evening.
Here's a little preview of some of the things saw yesterday:
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| Lots of show gardens of course (blues, greys, and white are the common theme this year) |
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| Conceptual.... |
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| Peek and you will be rewarded |
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| Only one had a 50's hairdo. One had a Madonna look late 80's |
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| No wet Miss Sweden this time! |
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| Not bad! |
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| Lovely! And the colour scheme was an antidote to all those dull dark blue and grey palette almost all the other show gardens had |
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| Exhibits in the Floral Marquee were delightful as always |
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| Lots of plant hopping happened here in the Floral Marquee! |
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| Spikyliscious... |
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| More spikyliscious! |
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| Oh and lots of lush and leafy things too! |
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| The lovely people at Stihl gave us an extra warm reception! |
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| More show gardens of course |
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| And a grand fireworks display to cap the day and evening off! |
More on the show gardens and scenes inside the floral marquee to follow soon!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Great entertainment :). I like the garden pictured before the pitcher plant.
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice show garden Lisa. Although both of us agreed that this years batch of show gardens on the whole were weakest compared to previous years.
DeleteThat's a flower show done right. That first shot is really intriguing, and I can't quite make out the third shot - what the openings are. Interesting. The spikyliscious gardens are wonderful, too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure Tamara! Lots of conceptual gardens as usual and the presence of the sort that you have to peek to see ticks the box...
DeleteWow! What a day you must have had. I look forward to the extended coverage.
ReplyDeleteJust lots of pictures to sort out now Loree :)
DeleteWhat a great way to spend a day! I LOVE that first blue, gray and white garden. You have the best flower and garden shows.
ReplyDeleteBeing held outdoors certainly helps in the ambience Kris :)
DeleteHow did so many garden designers get the blues all at once? Something in the air? I assume, since there were some exceptions, it was not handed down from on high. Whatever: inspiring post, as always.
ReplyDeleteMore likely due to coincidence Ricki. Or perhaps it trickled down as a trend that started at Chelsea. Such colour combinations are not cheerful and summery at all and came across more on the dull side.
DeleteHi Mark, the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show is amazing! I liked all the show gardens that you are featuring here very much, they are so well done and each one is so unique. And best of all they contain plenty of ideas that one can try out in its own garden. Thanks for reporting about this, I am already looking forward to the next entry.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Christina
It's a colossal garden show Christina, you'll have to try and attend one time, you'll love it :)
DeleteOooh, fun! The floral marquee looks great! Looking forward to seeing more (that pitcher plant cluster is fantastic!)
ReplyDeleteFloral marquee, the favourite of plants people Alan :)
DeleteI think I like the egg one best - the green and white but also it looks a cute cosy place to sit and relax.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does :)
DeleteI like the last of the show gardens... The greys and blues really do get dull, and the one with the red-and-white color scheme had a few too many metal curlicues for my taste.
ReplyDeleteIt's a Turkish garden, quite romantic colour scheme but it won't appeal to everyone...
Deletesuper duper cool. I'd sure love to have an elephant sculpture in my garden...
ReplyDeleteA big elephant sculpture would be cool Patricia!
DeleteVery jealous, Boys. I had my pass but our car broke down on the M25 on Friday and I had to pick it up and get it home on Monday. I wasn't pleased. It would've been lovely to meet up. I've never been to Hampton Court and was very much looking forward to it. Dave
ReplyDeleteOh no! It would have been great to see you there David. There's always the next time, hopefully car will cooperate then :)
DeleteIncredible! You must have enjoyed yourselves thoroughly!
ReplyDeleteWe certainly did Peter :)
DeleteIt's true a day isn't enough to see it all! I was there (sorry to miss you guys, if only I'd phoned Michelle before going back through the gate!) and it was only thanks to Michelle that I finally realised where the Floral Marquee was - with just an hour to spare before early evening kick out. I still managed to make a couple of purchase, though ;o) I have a feeling that I missed out on quite a few of the show gardens but will have got my bearings for next year. Definitely worth a return trip!
ReplyDeleteWe keep missing each other Caro! We were there longer but also missed out on a few show gardens. Just shows how big the event is :)
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