Is Chelsea the biggest flower show of the season

A. No, although it can certainly lay claim to being the most famous, probably in the world.

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The biggest is actually the Royal Horticultural Society's Hampton Court Flower show. It is held at the floral height of our summer (this year July 2-7th). The show is held in the world-renowned 25-acre gardens of Henry XIII's palace and features, among other things marquees, show gardens and a huge Flower Show.

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�The traditional favourite feature is the Royal National Rose Society's annual display, the biggest of its kind in the country.

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A.� Chelsea is always held in May, actually making it one of the earliest shows on the calendar.

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As it is relatively early in plant terms Chelsea is as much about the latest in garden design as flowers. It is a very British institution and this will be its 140th year. It has strong links with royalty, which ensures it is also high on the list of 'high society' events each year.

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If you want to know what is going to be considered in or out in in gardening this year then Chelsea is the place to be. This year it runs from 21-24th of May.

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A.� That's the Malvern Spring Show from 10-12 of May this year. It is primarily a celebration of spring with a vast Floral Marquee, permanent and temporary show gardens and a celebrity theatre featuring such luminaries as Roy Lancaster and Charlie Dimmock.

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A.� Other than Hampton Court, there is the BBC Gardeners World Live show, this year from the 19-23 June, which is held inside at Birmingham's vast National Exhibition Centre so even the infamous British weather can't spoil it. The show features Britain’s best loved gardening TV pundits, demonstrations for both beginners and enthusiasts and plenty of things for kids.

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Slightly more traditional is the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park in Cheshire (17-21 July).

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Tatton Park is a slightly more relaxed affair than Chelsea or Hampton Park and set in 50-acres of wonderful grounds. There are features like demonstration back-to-back gardens, Britain in Bloom National Flowerbed competition and loads of leading and specialist nurseries represented.

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A.� Again it is at Malvern, but this time it is the Malvern Autumn Garden and Country show, this year between the 22-29th of September.

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This is as much an agricultural show as a horticultural one, with the traditional falconry and gun dog displays, rural crafts etc. However, for the green-fingered it has a huge RHS floral display tent, identification sessions for fruit and fungi and an RHS advice desk where you can get expert advice on a whole range of horticultural problems.

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A.� If you are an RHS member call 0870 906 3810, with your membership card to hand, or 0870 906 3811 if you are a non-member.

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