There are loads of events and flower shows across the country during the summer, and they’re the perfect opportunity to get inspiration. With show gardens designed and constructed by some of the leading designers and landscapers in the UK, these aren’t just your bog standard back garden. You can also buy the plants you see featured with thousands of flowers on sale to plant at home, or seeds to sow for the future. But there’s also so much more!

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (5 – 10 July, Surrey)

Butterfly Dome

Hampton Court is a wonderful place to visit during the hot summer months of July. Held on the grounds of Henry VIII’s home, the palace makes a great backdrop as you walk across the late between tents. This year, there is a specially created Butterfly Dome with thousands of free-flying butterflies from Indonesia and South America.

Tatton Park (20 – 24 July 2016, Cheshire)

The Vineyard

Tatton Park has a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere with a host of floral marquees, demonstrations, as well as a Vineyard! The Vineyard is a place where visitors can learn how to grown their own vines but more importantly take part in wine tastings. What more could you want for a July afternoon?

Blenheim Palace Flower Show (17th-19th June, Oxfordshire)

A Thespian Opening

Did you know Winston Churchill was born at this World Heritage site, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough? The beautiful grounds host a flower show which is opened by one of Great Britain’s most respected actors, the multi award winning Sir Ian McKellen. Fine dining is available and it’s a great place to visit if you don’t want the hustle and bustle of Chelsea.

Gardeners World Live (16-19 June, NEC Birmingham)

Canal Boat Garden

Gardeners World Live is a great place to find loads of ideas for your garden in one place. This year there is a special show garden celebrating 100 miles of canals in Birmingham. Paul Stone, the designer, will have an actual narrow boat, in an imitation canal at the heart of the NEC. The canal boat will then have a wildflower meadow as well as rooftop garden with ornamentals and editbles.

Harrogate Flower Show (16th-18th September, Yorkshire)

Finish Summer in Style

Technically it’s the Autumn Flower Show, but if you’re on a flower show roll why not finish with the start of the next season? Harrogate always has a warm, family friendly atmosphere and still has plenty of bright flowers and show gardens to marvel at.