The world's biggest flower show gets under way this week as the gates of Hampton Court Palace in south London open wide to welcome all that's best about gardening.
Highlights include world-class show gardens, including a first-time exhibit from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia celebrating plants from down under. There's a floating raft of cranberries showcasing the extraordinary customs involved in their traditional annual harvest, and Britain in Bloom is marking its 50th birthday with a celebration of community gardening.
You'll get the chance to get your hands dirty this year, too, at the Hands On stations throughout the show: sow seeds, make your own mini floral arrangement or tray out the latest garden design techniques under the watchful gaze of the experts.
Other must-see features include the ever-popular Conceptual Gardens, this year with the theme 'The Seven Deadly Sins;; and the Rose Marquee where the Rose of the Year 2014 will be unveiled. And for plantaholics everywhere there's the massive floral marquee where you'll find thousands of must-have beauties from wildflowers to cottage garden perennials, palms and giant tropical exotics, so don't forget your notebook!
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show runs from 8-13 July: for more information and tickets visit www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt.
