Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2010

Don't forget that at this flower show there are loads of exhibitors with their trade stands tempting you to buy every imaginable garden supply from simple garden gloves and shoes to the most complicated gadgetry. So everyone was there with red hot credit cards and some with the bane of the show - those plastic boxes on wheels that catch you out at every turn, taking up precious space in the marquees as well as tripping you up as people stop and hang their wheelies out, just where you are about to walk. They also make a terrible noise on the metal walkways!

But, the stands all looked beautiful and some of the sculptures and garden sheds are so impressive, only a country estate or town council would have the space to use them. Expert sales people talked endlessly to prospective buyers and  a small forest of leaflets must have been handed out for perusal in the comfort of their own homes. How much tea, coffee, cakes, burgers and ice cream was consumed is unknown to me and of course, all those pitchers of Pimms by the Long Water just made many people's day. Some had booked leisurely lunches in one of the prestigious restaurants, with champagne to celebrate the day.
In fact, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show celebrated its 21st birthday in style; one of the largest flower shows in the world and definitely one of the highlights of the gardening year.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2010