RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

• What: RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
• When: First or second week of July (7-12 July 2009), First two days RHS members only
• Where: Hampton Court Palace parkland, west of London
• Admission: £16 and £25; Children 5-15, £5
• Buy tickets online
• Website

What the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show lacks in prestige (compared to Chelsea), it more than makes up in size. It spreads over 20 acres of parkland adjoining Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace with its beautiful formal gardens and mazes. Unlike the Chelsea Flower Show, visitors can buy plants on the spot, direct from award winning growers. Categories include show gardens, water gardens, small gardens, conceptual gardens and inspiring spaces. And amateurs are invited to join in. In 2007, under the Growing & Showing Marquee, home growers of fruits, vegetables and herbs were invited to compete in several different classes.