Hampton Court Flower Show

I attended the Hampton Court Palace flower show in London last week. The show is held on the grounds of the palace along the river Thames. In this beautiful setting there were thirty show gardens and a wide range of stands promoting stunning garden features such as water features, garden furniture and outdoor rooms, not to mention having a cold Pimm's while watching live jazz music!

I was lucky enough to attend the gala night which was held on the evening before the doors opened to the public. There was more space to view the gardens and there was an atmosphere of celebration. I spent time with Gary Graham, Bloom show manager, having some drinks at Paul Martin's Gold winning garden.

Paul Martin did a fantastic job on his latest show garden' Vestra Wealth’s Vista' which deserved a Gold Medal. 

His garden had some great features including various levels and layers of planting with hard landscaping of Kilkenny blue limestone surrounding a dining terrace with a 4m long cantilevered cedar table. Paul is flying the flag for Irish garden designers abroad.

The gala evening ended with a spectacular display of fireworks! Now that is how to start a garden show!
You can see a selection of photos of the show including Paul's garden at this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P67BcrM_EZk