Dreaming of Hampton Court Palace Garden Show.

Some say that the best gardens evolve over time, that layers of beauty can only be added with the years. But garden shows demonstrate that it’s possible to build a garden of beauty and character in a matter of days.

The Cornish Garden from 2016

But as we know, unfortunately the R.H.S. has had to cancel all their Shows this year. Hampton Court Palace Garden Show had been delayed from the usual July spot, until September. But the R.H.S., mindful of peoples safety, have had to delay it until next year.

Hampton Court is a favourite to visit, I designed two small show gardens there a few years ago, and it was a brilliant experience. But it’s not just nostalgia, the location is stunning, there are show gardens brimming with ideas.The Plant Marquee is one of the most popular places, choc full of tempting plants.

There’s lots of space to sit and have a picnic and possibly a glass of something fizzy. Though, speaking from experience, this is best at the end of your visit.

Me in my first show garden in 2006. The decking was made from re-claimed scaffold boards, which was quite innovative in those days!

Hampton Court Palace seen through the magnificent gates from the show-ground, a wonderful setting for the Show.

View of the splendid Hampton Court Palace from the Show-ground.

I’m always interested in sustainable gardening, and there are more examples every year.

sustanable front gardens, including semi-permeable paving, a bin-store with a green roof and a rich diversity of plants.

This garden, designed by Nigel Dunnett, shows how small front gardens can be both sustainable and beautiful. The paving is semi-permeable to drain excess ground water, there’s a rich diversity of plants to encourage birds and wildlife and soak up rainwater.

sustainable gardening- bin sore with green roof, planted with Thyme

This bin-store with a green roof is a great idea. It increases both the range of plants in a small garden and the foot-print of planted area.

Then there’s the delight of The Floral Marquee

Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’

pink and green leaves of tree spinach, Chenopodium giganteum, - an unusual vegetable at Hampton Court Garden Show

There are lots of vegetables, as well as flowers. I bought seeds of this stunning tree spinach, which is as beautiful as it is tasty.

The Rose Marquee is the place to see and smell a whole range of perfect roses, though it seems smaller now than it used to be. The really special thing, is being able to get advice from the growers, that goes for the Plant Marquee as well.