The Hampton Court Flower Show 2006, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual flower show in the world and with almost 700 exhibitors it could arguably be called the most varied as well.

Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, the show brings together elaborate show gardens alongside humble window box and hanging basket displays, 126 nurseries specialising in all manner of flora together with artists and florists and a range of products and ancillary services that cover most horticultural needs.

This year, the RHS has introduced two new exhibitor categories:

“Conceptual Gardens” is an opportunity for five aspiring designers to demonstrate innovative and challenging garden designs

“Inspiring Spaces” allows garden centres and other professional bodies to show their creativity in container planting, designed to awaken “dead” spaces in the garden.


Within the 11 marquees, you will find numerous floral displays, 17 national collection holders, talks and demonstrations, botanical art and the Festival of Roses – the high spot of the rose growers’ calendar with 21 specialist growers exhibiting and a host of new introductions.

On a lighter note, spare a thought for the caterers who will be providing some 31,000 rounds of sandwiches, 41,000 glasses of Pimms, 20,000 glasses of champagne and 80,000 cups of tea and coffee to visitors.

The show runs from July 4 –9 inclusive, from 10am to 7.30pm. For more information on how to book tickets, click here

Something for everyone

Variety provides the spice for this year's Hampton Court Flower show

BACKGROUND

• Concrete jungle

• Out of Africa

• They live by night

• Remembering Milly

Explore Gardens

• Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

• Chelsea Flower Show

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