RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

For those of you out there who like to see a lovely garden, but would rather not have anything to do with the back-breaking work it involves, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is on from
7 - 13 July, starting with the Gala Evening on the 7th. The show is a great day out for all the family and there is something for everyone. There will be loads of tips on growing your own food and you can purchase the relevant garden tools to help you get started.

One of the highlights of the show is a feature about growing and cooking fruit and vegetables from the Mediterranean, Asia and Britain, which is sure to draw the crowds. The fruit and veg are grown in the 'Growing Tastes' garden, designed by Michael Balston. This is a 'must visit' for anyone planning a kitchen garden. Several top chefs have been roped in to demonstrate what delicious food you can cook from stuff that you have grown in your garden.

For this year's show the RHS has teamed up with the Met Office and there will be a presentation about climate change and its effect on the way we garden. There will also be a family weekend and first the first time ever a scarecrow competition, which should be great fun for the children.

8 and 9 July are members' only days, but from 10 July it is open to everyone. Just like at the Chelsea Flower Show there is a sale on the final day starting at 4.30pm and there will be many bargains to be had. You just have enough time to plan how to get a huge bamboo plant on the London Underground.