May is the perfect time for enjoying the spring blooms and England’s flower show season is now well under way…

The Duchess of Cambridge at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 © RHS / Luke MacGregor

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place this week, is perhaps the most famous flower show in the world. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is famed is for its spectacular show gardens.

One of the highlights of this year’s show is the garden co-designed by the Duchess of Cambridge. The ‘Back to Nature’ woodland garden was inspired by childhood memories and designed with families in mind. The centrepiece is a huge tree house; a swing hangs from the branches of a tree and a waterfall and stream offer places to paddle and relax.

The Back to Nature Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 © RHS / Neil Hepworth

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, at the beginning of June, takes place in the grounds of the awe-inspiring Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. This new show, now in its third year, offers plant enthusiast the chance to discover a wealth of unusual plants in the Floral Marquee and to take home a wealth of gardening ideas. Enjoy complimentary tea tasting at Wedgwood’s Tea Conservatory!

Chatsworth has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 and is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. The gardens were transformed in the mid-18th century by the most famous English landscape architect, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Many trees were planted at this time, including various American species specially imported from Philadelphia.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018 © RHS

Set against the background of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, the Woburn Abbey Garden Show at the end of June, is known as the ‘Gardeners’ Garden Show'. Set in 42 acres of attractively landscaped gardens, the show offers unparalleled access to award-winning exhibitors and nurseries.

50 miles to the north west of London, Woburn Abbey was originally founded as a Cistercian Abbey, but largely rebuilt in the mid-18th century as the seat of the Duke of Bedford. In April 1786, John Adams, the future second President of the United States, visited the estate, describing it as beautiful.

Taking place in the magnificent grounds of one of England’s most famous palaces, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is at the beginning of July. The show offers gardening enthusiasts a wonderful summer’s day out packed with gardening inspiration, stunning floral displays and workshops in a majestic setting.

Originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, Hampton Court was given to Henry VIII and is one of only two surviving palaces of the many owned by the Tudor king. The grounds as they appear today were laid out to complement the rebuilding of the palace by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century.

Crowds attend RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2018 © RHS / Luke MacGregor

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is the North West of England’s leading flower show and takes place in mid-July. This innovative summer flower show provides visitors with a fabulous day out bursting with colourful gardening inspiration, focusing on the best summer blooms. This year, the show will be celebrating dahlias, with over 5000 blooms on display.

Tatton Park is one of the UK’s most complete historic estates, boasting a Tudor Old Hall, neo-classical mansion and 50 acres of landscaped gardens. The gardens were designed by English architect and designer Joseph Paxton, perhaps most famous for designing the Crystal Palace in London, and laid out in 1847.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2018 © RHS / Tim Sandall

In August, our local flower show takes place. Shrewsbury Flower Show claims a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running flower show in the world, and today is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The show stretches over 29 acres and attracts top exhibitors from all over the country. As well as its fabulous displays of flowers and plants, the show features many other activities including military bands, show jumping and a large firework display

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: “While there are flower shows across the UK from April onwards, for many people the wonderful Chelsea Flower Show in London really kicks off the flower show season. On a glorious spring or summer day, there really is no nicer way to spend an afternoon, browsing the show gardens, exploring the pavilions and sipping tea or champagne!”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made garden tour of the UK, taking in some of the splendid flower shows this country has to offer, please do contact our friendly team today.