RHS Hampton Court:

The Past, Present and Future of the Nation’s Favourite Gardening Festival

For nearly three decades, Hampton Court Palace has been hosting a summer extravaganza that turns its grounds into a horticultural heaven. What started as an ambitious flower show has blossomed into what I believe is the world's most heartwarming floral festival. It's a celebration of all things gardening, green and growing, showcasing everything from cutting-edge gardening techniques to the latest in eco-friendly practices. And let's not forget the best bit ­– you can buy plants there! (As if we needed another excuse, right?)

This year I was fortunate enough to visit as an RHS judge. The moment I stepped into the showground, I was hit with a wave of wonderful nostalgia. The feeling of open space in a breathtaking setting and the good fortune of a sunny day released happy memories of creating my own show gardens there. To me, it’s a place that feels like home.

As another year ends, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival approaches a significant milestone. This seems an ideal time to reflect on the festival's growth. Together we’ll explore the festival from its early days to its current format, and peek into its future. I'll share more about the upcoming change later. For now, let's dive together into the story of this hugely popular gardening event.