Any garden show recommendations?

[langlandgirl2]

I fancy going to a few shows this year. Dont mind where (so long as not Norfolk as other side of country to me). Any reccomendations?

Do you want plants or inspiration?

both!

but happy to go to one for plants and another for inspiration if that's the way it works.

Chelsea is good for ideas but you can't buy plants except at sell off.
Gardeners' World Live is better for buying plants and gadgets.
Or anywhere except Chelsea that has an RHS floral marquee as they will sell plants.
Try going early on the last day and asking to buy display plants. The best get reserved early and you go back for them at sell off time.
Don't wait for sell off time - get in there early. And always try your luck by asking if plants will be sold off - they can only say no.
I've had fantastic plants this way.

Hampton Court is also RHS but slightly more relaxed than Chelsea. Fewer show gardens but plenty of plants to buy,

I enjoyed Hampton Court, less claustrophobic than Chelsea and easier to get to see the show gardens.
My favourite thing is to go to open garden events, especially when whole villages take part. There’s such variety of garden and often participants have plants to sell.

Chenies manor in herts holds a plant fair on a sunday towards the end of july - cant find the exact date atm. Its like a mini chelsea with nurseries selling lots of more unusual plants. The gardens of the house are stunning and you can visit the house from 2pm onwards. Well worth a visit.

loving these recommendations, thanks.

Chatsworth, Ascot Raceourse are having one soon and Tatton.

The Spring and Autumn shows at Malvern are both great - and so much more than just plants.