Britain’s flower shows are back. This year’s events will welcome a whole host of new faces too, with the pandemic triggering an increased interest in all things green. Gardening was listed as the second most popular lockdown activity, according to a survey by GlobalData market research – and it seems the trend is here to stay, with seed sellers recently reporting a blossoming demand for orders. Flower shows offer aesthetic inspiration and expert advice on everything from garden design to biodiversity, often with live music and great food thrown in for good measure.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the most famous and prestigious event of its kind. It has taken place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea every year since 1913 – apart from gaps during the two World Wars, and in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, it’s returning for its traditional spring slot, following last year’s one-off autumn event. In 2022, wild plants and naturalistic spaces will take centre stage. Garden designers will be encouraged to use plants that promote biodiversity, including wildlife-friendly hawthorn, hazel and woodland trees such as crab apple and sweet chestnut. 24 – 28 May 2022
Blenheim Palace is a beautiful sight year-round, but even more so when hosting its annual flower show. Explore show gardens, browse the Outdoor Plant Village and get inspired on a stroll down Floral Street – plus horticultural experts will be on hand to answer all your burning gardening questions. 24 – 26 June 2022
Chorley Flower Show. A relatively new addition to the floristry events calendar, Chorley Flower Show will return to Astley Hall for its seventh edition in 2022. The centrepiece for 2021 was the Mayflower 400 garden, featuring indigenous British and American plants including an oak tree and a maple tree. A gardening theatre, meanwhile, hosts demonstrations from top gardeners – this year that included Jonathan Moseley and Martin Fish. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink from a range of traders, as well as live music and walkabout acts. 30 July – 1 August 2022
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The world’s largest annual flower show takes place against the backdrop of one of London’s most historic royal palaces, Hampton Court. Also run by the RHS, the festival offers plenty of inspiration for both budding and experienced horticulturalists, with a new allotment area offering advice and tips on all things grow your own. 4 – 9 July 2022
RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. ‘Summer of Love’ was the theme for the 2021 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, which returned to Cheshire’s picturesque 1,000 acre deer park last summer. Highlights included the RHS Flower Power Garden, designed by former RHS Young Designer finalist Anca Panait, which shone a light on the emotional and healing properties of plants. A popular feature of this show is the Flower School, which offers floral demonstrations from top gardeners like Jonathan Moseley alongside eye-catching displays. 20 – 24 July 2022
