Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2017: this year's event brings spectacular show gardens, specialist nurseries and global awareness of the power of plants
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Hampton Court Palace Flower Show has opened its doors to keen gardeners as the annual event returns with a vast array of spectacular show gardens, interesting talks and fascinating wildlife.
A new category for this year, 'Gardens for a changing world' has been introduced by show organisers to help gardeners meet on-going challenges such as global warming and city living.
Will Williams is showcasing a natural solution to flood prevention, inspired by the village of Pickering in North Yorkshire, and first-time designer Rhiannon Williams is promoting sustainable rainwater management within residential areas.
Keep an eye out for London-based Tom Massey who has created a garden focused on the healing of plants. Whereas, town planner and designer Martyn Wilson explores the power of plants to regenerate naturally amid industrial ruins.
Finally, Andreas Christodoulou and Jonanthan Davies are encouraging Londoners to transform their city garden spaces into natural 'forest glades'.
SHOW GARDENS
Multi-RHS Gold Medal winning duo Andrew Fisher-Tomlin and Dan Bowyer have put together a special community garden for Blind Veterans UK - it will be rebuilt at one of the charity's centres after the show.
ZoFlora is back again with a woodland play garden for children and adults with disabilities, designed to stimulate the five senses.
Show sponsor Viking Cruises have joined forces with designer Paul Hervey-Brooks to create a space inspired by overseas travel.
But for those who have a passion for wildlife, 'Green Grey Britain' is full of vital plants needed to encourage the population of bees and butterflies.
The tropical Butterfly Dome returns once again offering visitors the chance to see butterflies from all over the world.
If you want a memento from the day, the Floral Marquee will host 98 nurseries offering a plant for every type of gardener.
Alternatively, go celebrity spotting with famous chef Christophe Novelli and television presenter Michaela Strachan sharing their horticultural and culinary passions throughout the week. More information can be found here.
Tickets start from £14 and are available here.