Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

For one week in July, Hampton Court Palace provides the perfect backdrop for the world's largest annual flower show. The show is produced by the Royal Horticultural Society, which is also responsible for the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show held every May.

Having missed the Chelsea show, Garry and I were determined to catch the show at Hampton Court. As a result, we found ourselves catching the train from Waterloo on Saturday along with thousands of others. The day was warm without being uncomfortable. Perfect show viewing weather.

This year's event included more than 700 exhibitors, nine large marquee pavilions, and 50 showcase display gardens. The array of horticulture was incredible. I particularly loved the floral art displays and show gardens. The mature bonsai trees were Garry's favourites, including an English Oak, two feet in height that were already more than 80 years old. Its owner told Garry the tree would outlive her, making it a rather unique family heirloom.

One pavilion was filled with nothing but roses in all manner of colours, shapes, and sizes. The RHS claims that this is the world's largest annual gathering of roses in full bloom. Another pavilion reproduced an English countryside scene. This included a gently flowing stream, lavender fields, and a full-size stone cottage set in its own country garden. I even spotted a small vegetable plot with mature vegetables growing. All of this indoors.

The show gardens were incredible. Some had miniature waterfalls, while others contained small lakes. Each was more incredible than the next. My favourite blended an outdoor dining area with an indoor kitchen surrounded by curving walls and spectacular potted plants.

The exhibitor stalls were also fascinating. You could buy a full-size elephant complete with a water fountain cascading from its truck, or one of several thousand miniature plastic wheelie bins. These milk-crate-sized trolleys are the perfect gardener's accessory at these events. Every other show visitor seemed to have one trundling behind them, stuffed full of plants and gardening tools. At moments like this, you're tempted to agree that England truly is a nation of gardeners.