RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2015

This year marks the 25 anniversary of the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.  I was curious about what this garden show would be like after seeing the Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year, and wasn't sure what to expect.  I found that it was every bit as impressive, just in different ways.  

First, this show is held on the grounds of Hampton Court -- King Henry VIII royal palace in Richmond upon Thames, outer London -- so the grounds are enormous and so there is no need to limit the crowds. Second, at this show you can actually buy plants that you see and take them home with you at the end of the day.  As such,  nurseries create gorgeous displays showing how beautifully paired certain plant combination can be.  Then, if you like the combinations you see, you can buy plants from that grouping, bring them home and recreate the look in your own garden.

I thought the  Chelsea emphasized the best in professional garden design whereas the Hampton Court Show was more of an encouragement for the everyday gardener.  At Chelsea, I was wowed by what the professional could do, at Hampton I was wowed with what was possible for anyone to do in their own garden.  Both have inspired me to spend more time creating something beautiful in my own small patch of grounds. 

Hampton Court Palace

 I loved the exhibit Greening up Grey Britain.  There were such great ideas on how to garden when you have little space.  Turning the space above the garbage bins into a place to grow lettuce and strawberries is brilliant.

 Garden of Paradise from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

  World Show Gardens: This one is from Sri Lanka

 Squire's Garden Centres: Urban Oasis 

The Rose Pavilion

 Crossing the Long Water in from of the Palace

 The Floral Marquee

Self Portrait 

Amnesty International Magna Carta Garden marks the 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta.  

This "Tea Party Garden" celebrates the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.

Botanical World Discoveries: Winnie the Pooh Begins His Journey celebrates that 90 years ago Winnie the Pooh made his first public appearance in published form. 

We come from the earth.

We return to the earth.

And in between we garden.

~Author Unknown