The beauty and fragrance of a rose in a country garden has the power to transform even the sourest of moods. And the healing power of plants isn’t just restricted to those residing in rural areas, as urbanites are becoming increasingly fond of labeling themselves as ‘plant moms’ or ‘plant dads’ when they proudly display their collection of houseplants on social media. This is why events centered around gardening are becoming extremely popular – in our digitized times, it’s essential to reconnect with nature. And the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the Glastonbury of the gardening world.   

Sprawling over 34 acres, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the world’s largest annual flower show. The event has been recently relaunched as a festival and is a celebration of the joys of gardening. It is located in East Molesey, Surrey within the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace, which is surrounded by its famous gardens including the earliest hedge maze in Britain. You’ll be sure to find artists, performers, chefs, and more milling around the stages and eateries. Visitors can also benefit from a wealth of inspiration provided by the Show Gardens, the Rose Marquee, and the Floral Marquee, while sipping a crisp glass of Champagne near the banks of Long Water.   

In 1990, the first show was launched by Historic Royal Palaces and Network Southeast. However soon after in 1992, Network Southeast decided to withdraw, so the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) was the bidder that took over the event. The first RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was held the following year in 1993 and eventually became the world’s largest flower show. And of course, Hampton Court Palace itself is steeped in historical significance. In the early 16th century, the palace was occupied by Henry VIII, who brought all six of his wives there. Later, the magnificent interiors were graced by Georgian kings and princes. The royals left the palace in 1737, however, Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838.   

Of course, one of the main reasons people attend the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is to experience the gorgeous gardens on display. The Show Gardens category has an open theme and allows highly talented designers to transform their artistic vision into a reality, with beautiful plants and intricate landscaping. In recent events, some of the garden designs have taken inspiration from foreign landscapes, such as Korean mud flats and forests or a dry and arid North American desert. Stroll over to the Get Started Gardens for horticultural inspiration, particularly if you’re new to gardening. These gardens display simple, effective, and affordable gardening solutions using plants that are easy to maintain.   

The festival is the place to be if you’re in search of some truly beautiful blooms. This is because more flowers are sold per square mile at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival than anywhere else in the UK. The Floral Marquee is brimming with plants and flowers grown by over 90 nurseries. Each year, the Master Grower display features in the Floral Marquee to highlight exceptional nurseries. There are also experts on hand in the Floral Marquee, if you’re seeking plants to buy and specific advice on how to grow them. Recent exhibitors have showcased trees and sculptures made of living willow, unusual Southern Hemisphere shrubs, and carnivorous plants. To satisfy your olfactory senses, visit the Festival of Roses and discover new varieties and captivating colors of the iconic flower.   

Flowers from the Farm will be hosting their Flower School, to educate visitors with two demonstrations each day – one by a celebrity florist and one by a farmer-florist. Demos will help people to understand how to create beautiful arrangements while using sustainable floristry techniques. Visitors can also enjoy a ‘Flower Farmers’ Question Time’ segment, alongside workshops to make buttonholes and mini posy corsages. For more demos from growers, you can also visit Plant Heritage, Plant Village, and the Potting Bench. Musical entertainment can be found at the Bandstand, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing drink.    

If you know your daisies from your dahlias, you’ll find like-minded people at the flower show. The relaxed and easy atmosphere of this world-class event provides the perfect setting to unite people of all ages and backgrounds who share a common interest in plants. Whether you wish to witness the artistic Show Gardens, take home a bunch of freshly-cut British blooms, or learn some tips and tricks from a celebrity florist, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy a sublime day out at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.  

Banner and feature images: RHS / Oliver Dixon