Hampton Court RHS

[SpidersFromMars]

I'm going for the first time this weekend, can't wait! I'll be with DP and future-MIL - she's a volunteer with the National Trust and very pro, but I'm hoping there might be a few ideas she hasn't seen or tried before.

For me, we have a large boggy clay garden - with the brambles and nettles finally under control, I've realised we're lacking some height. So one or two interesting tall things would be grand.

I'm really looking forward to just wandering around too - any must-see recommendations, timing/route planning, or tips and tricks from MN gardeners who have been before?

[Floralnomad]

We were given tickets last year ,it was our first experience of a garden show and it will be our last . We drove ( dd has a blue badge) and had booked disabled parking it was a nightmare to get there as the traffic management was horrendous . Apart from the flower tents the actual show is just one great gardening shop with a few show gardens that we were not impressed with interspersed with places selling champagne . So my advice is use public transport !

[Deux]

Try to get there for when it opens. It gets terribly busy and it can be difficult to see the show gardens. I agree with the pp that it is very commercialised but you can get some lovely things there.

The plant marquee has loads of nurseries selling the most amazing plants.

It might be an idea to do your research before you go if you're looking to buy plants there (there is a plant crèche). That way you can go straight to those sellers.

Are you going by public transport? If so the train station is Hampton Court then you have to cross the bridge.

The entrance to the show is a good walk along the tow path. You can get a short boat ride to the entrance for 2.50 pp each way. Cross the road at the station, look for Zizzi's on the corner and the boat is just past there.

[SpidersFromMars]

Thanks - good tips. The plant creche especially, will be really helpful! We are driving - MILs not disabled, but has limited mobility and is intending on a lot of shopping. Unfortunately, that's already set, though for next time it's worth noting. It's good to be prepared for the traffic and allow time.

Good tip about getting there early. If it's warm, I guess the marquees heat up too when it's busy. Marquees first, or show gardens?

[Floralnomad]

I would do the marquees first , one of the issues for us was that it didn't seem to flow very well and the show gardens weren't all in one section but were dotted about intermingled with the shops and food places , it was very hot when we went which I don't think helped - take a hat / parasol .

[Deux]

Taking a wheeled trolley with you is a good idea if you have one. They are available for sale at the show. They're sort of like a collapsible crate on wheels with a pull up handle. Useful for getting your plants to the plant crèche and later transporting to the car.

If you're going on Sunday then there are bargains to be had in the last hour or so of the show as lots of growers discount massively their stock.

I'd say go to the plant marquee first as it's far away from the entrance. Then work back to the entrance. Then a final lurk around the plant marquee to nab a bargain if your there on Sunday. Having said that it would be hard not to get distracted en route.

Take some snacks and water to keep you going as it can get very hot in the marquees. Go to the loo when you see them.

Have fun

[poochiepants]

You could try to park in Bushy Park then it's a 5 or 10 minute walk - it's usually free, but don't know if Royal Parks "ban" flower show visitors....not sure how they can, to be honest, though....will try to see if there are any restrictions as I drive through tomorrow (my commute is quite nice on a sunny morning....!)

[funnyperson]

Yes take a wheeled trolley
It is a nice place to shop for plants and garden things and Christmas presents
The floral marquee is lovely this year
The rose marquee isn't as nice as a rose garden so I would avoid it
The gardens especially the concept gardens are nice to see and worth seeing before you do any shopping

[Lighteningirll]

We went on Tuesday and used the park and ride at Apps Farm bloody marvellous, I liked that the gardens were interspersed, also loved the butterfly house and listened to Charlie Dimmkck dh was looking for nipples talk about ponds.

[funnyperson]

I liked the scent of the linden trees on the way in from the car park and bought some very reasonably priced fushias at £2.75 each including an old one from 1886 called 'lyes unique'