Upcoming UK Gardening Shows to Visit This Season
Upcoming UK Gardening Shows to Visit This Season
The gardening show season is one of the highlights of the horticultural calendar in the UK.
Throughout spring, summer and early autumn, shows across the country bring together specialist nurseries, experienced growers, garden designers and enthusiastic gardeners.
For anyone passionate about plants, these events offer a great opportunity to discover new varieties, pick up practical advice, and spend a day surrounded by inspiring gardens and knowledgeable exhibitors.
Below are some of the gardening shows worth adding to the calendar this year.
Milton Keynes Home and Garden Show – Milton Keynes (March)
The Milton Keynes Home and Garden Show is a local gardening and home improvement show held in Middleton Hall at centre, Milton Keynes’ main shopping centre. Taking place over a weekend in March, the event brings together a range of exhibitors offering products, services and ideas for both the home and garden.
The show provides a convenient opportunity for visitors to explore gardening products, home improvement ideas and outdoor living solutions while enjoying a day out in the city centre. With free entry and an accessible indoor venue, it’s an easy event for local residents to drop in and browse.
Event details:
- Dates: Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March
- Location: Middleton Hall, centre (outside John Lewis and Next)
- Entry: Free – visitors can simply turn up on the day
Highlights include:
- Exhibitors showcasing gardening products and outdoor living ideas
- Home improvement specialists and local suppliers
- Inspiration for gardens, patios and outdoor spaces
- Convenient indoor location within Milton Keynes shopping centre
RHS Chelsea Flower Show – London (May)
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is arguably the most famous gardening show in the world. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, it showcases beautifully designed show gardens created by some of the industry’s leading designers.
One of the standout areas is the Great Pavilion, where specialist growers display outstanding plants, flowers and rare varieties. The displays are often breathtaking in their detail and presentation, offering plenty of inspiration for gardeners looking to try new ideas or planting combinations at home.
Highlights include:
- Spectacular show gardens from leading designers
- The famous Great Pavilion packed with world-class plant displays
- New gardening trends and planting ideas debuting each year
BBC Gardeners’ World Live – Birmingham (June)
BBC Gardeners’ World Live is one of the most accessible and practical gardening shows in the UK. Hosted at the NEC in Birmingham, it combines show gardens, live demonstrations and a large plant village filled with specialist nurseries.
Visitors can attend talks from experienced gardeners and presenters, see new tools and equipment, and browse a wide range of plants suitable for all types of gardens. The indoor venue also makes it a comfortable event to explore regardless of the weather.
Highlights include:
- A large plant village with specialist nurseries
- Talks and demonstrations from well-known gardening experts
- Show gardens designed for real gardens at home
Blenheim Palace Flower Show – Oxfordshire (June)
Set within the impressive grounds of Blenheim Palace, this gardening show provides a relaxed and enjoyable day out for plant lovers. The event features show gardens, plant stalls and a large marquee filled with nurseries and gardening suppliers.
Because of its manageable size, it’s easy to explore without feeling rushed, and many visitors appreciate the opportunity to talk directly with growers and exhibitors throughout the day.
Highlights include:
- Show gardens set within historic parkland
- A large plant village and nursery marquee
- Craft stalls and gardening demonstrations
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival – Surrey (July)
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the largest gardening show of its kind in the world. Set beside the historic palace and the River Thames, the event combines impressive show gardens with a large floral marquee and extensive plant shopping opportunities.
The relaxed atmosphere and spacious grounds make it a fantastic summer day out for gardeners of all levels of experience.
Highlights include:
Large and imaginative show gardens
Extensive plant shopping opportunities
Floral marquee packed with specialist growers
RHS Flower Show Tatton Park – Cheshire (July)
RHS Tatton Park offers a more relaxed feel compared with some of the larger shows. It is particularly well known for showcasing creative gardens from emerging designers and innovative planting ideas.
The event takes place within beautiful parkland, making it an enjoyable setting to explore while browsing plants and displays.
Highlights include:
- Innovative gardens from up-and-coming designers
- Specialist nurseries and plant stalls
- Family-friendly atmosphere in a scenic setting
RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show – Essex (August)
Held within the grounds of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, this gardening show takes place during the height of summer when many plants are in full bloom. The setting provides a beautiful backdrop for plant stalls and displays.
It’s particularly popular with gardeners looking to buy late-season plants or gather inspiration for summer borders.
Highlights include:
- Excellent specialist nurseries
- Late-summer plants and flowering displays
- Gardening advice and demonstrations
RHS Wisley Flower Show – Surrey (September)
The Wisley Flower Show takes place as the gardening season begins to wind down, but it remains one of the most rewarding events for plant lovers. The focus here is firmly on horticulture, with many expert growers exhibiting plants and vegetables.
Visitors often come away with new ideas for improving their own gardens and plenty of practical growing advice.
Highlights include:
- High-quality nursery stands and plant sales
- Vegetable displays and horticultural exhibits
- Expert growers sharing knowledge and advice
Three Counties Autumn Show – Malvern (September)
The Three Counties Autumn Show celebrates traditional horticulture and growing skills. It features impressive displays of vegetables, fruit and flowers, many of them entered into competitions by experienced growers.
The event has a strong community atmosphere and offers a fascinating look at the dedication and expertise involved in growing exhibition-quality plants.
Highlights include:
Giant vegetable competitions and produce displays
Flower exhibits including dahlias and chrysanthemums
Horticultural demonstrations and growing advice
Plant Heritage Plant Fairs – Various Locations
Plant Heritage plant fairs take place throughout the year at different gardens and venues across the UK. These events focus almost entirely on plants, with stalls run by specialist nurseries and collectors.
They are an excellent opportunity to discover unusual varieties and speak directly with growers who are passionate about preserving rare plants.
Highlights include:
- Rare and unusual plants from specialist nurseries
- Opportunities to speak directly with experienced growers
- A relaxed atmosphere focused entirely on plants
Hardy Plant Society Summer Shows – Various Locations
Hardy Plant Society shows are often smaller events organised by enthusiastic growers and plant specialists. Despite their size, they can be some of the most rewarding shows for gardeners interested in learning more about plants.
Visitors can see competition plants grown by members and purchase divisions and unusual varieties.
Highlights include:
- Expert growers sharing practical advice
- Displays of unusual or expertly grown plants
- Affordable plants propagated by experienced gardeners
Shrewsbury Flower Show – August
Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the longest-running horticultural events in the UK. It blends traditional flower show displays with entertainment and evening events.
Visitors can enjoy colourful floral displays, garden exhibits and a lively festival atmosphere.
Highlights include:
- Traditional competitive flower displays
- Show gardens and horticultural exhibits
- Evening entertainment and fireworks
Southport Flower Show – August
Southport Flower Show combines gardening inspiration with food, demonstrations and entertainment. It’s known for its friendly atmosphere and wide variety of exhibitors.
The show provides a relaxed environment for visitors to explore plant stalls, watch demonstrations and enjoy a full day out.
Highlights include:
- Show gardens and floral displays
- Gardening and cookery demonstrations
- A large range of plant stalls and exhibitors
With so many excellent gardening shows taking place throughout the season, there are plenty of opportunities to discover new plants, learn from experienced growers and enjoy time surrounded by beautiful gardens.
For anyone passionate about gardening, these events are always worth a visit.
