I love Hampton Court Flower Show. It has all the wow factor of Chelsea just with more space, its easier to get to and is in a fabulous setting!
I visited on the 3rd of July on a scorching hot day and joined the crowds, bottle of water in hand.
My main mission at flower shows is always to take in the Show Gardens and this year didn't disappoint.
I was lucky enough to visit the site during the build up and really felt for the contractors, and plants, in that heat! Everyone did a fantastic job and all the gardens looked fantastic!
Rosemary Coldstream's garden 'Best of Both Worlds' was one of my favourites showcasing both a traditional and contemporary style separated by a pleached hedge. Standing with Rosemary for a few minutes I noticed how many people were surprised they didn't have a preference for either side, loving both!
The South West Water Green Garden by Tom Simpson was also stunning and had lots of 'take home' elements. I loved the clay pavers and bespoke cut paving radiating out from the water bowl. The design showed how we can all play a part in reducing flooding, even with a small courtyard space.
There were a couple of gardens strongly based around a bar theme...must be the UK culture! Firstly, the Entertaining Garden by Anca Panait which used very 'on trend' corten steel and copper to form the structures. It had a really holiday vibe.
The second garden based around a bar, and my ultimate favourite of the show, was The Landform Garden Bar by Rhiannon Williams. The scheme was so stylish and cool! The palette of mostly green and white was soft and calm and allowed the orange accents to really pop. The black frame over the bar and details in the furniture were slick and something I'd like to replicate in my own garden.
The garden was dedicated to Rhiannon's late partner Matthew Bradley, who was also part of the design and build team. There are several features around the garden in his memory.
I also took a few minutes to take in the Piet Oudolf borders during my visit. I love the Dutch designers use of perennials and ornamental grasses in bold drifts and this didn't disappoint.
Then it was time to leave and make my way back to the car. The walk to Bushy Park is a delight in itself though, here are a few of my photos along the way...I even spotted some deer in the park as I got to my car!
