Top picks at RHS Hampton Court 2017

The exhibit that really caught my eye at this year's RHS Hampton Court Flower Show was "The Charleston Garden" (above) - one of three very different 'potted' landscapes exhibiting under the Great Gardens of the USA banner. Wonderful planting, a fountain that you cannot miss, and a sense of serenity that you'd expect to find in the deep south.

The Kinetica conceptual garden, designed by John Warland is a striking display of colour and simple planting - a must-see if you're into primary colours!

Watch out for some of the smaller displays at Hampton Court this year - I was particularly struck by the simplicity of the Freddie's Flowers stand (just around the corner from the Charleston garden) - displaying the glorious flowers you can have delivered to your front door.

Watch out for those monster cabbages in the RHS Kitchen Garden - wonderful displays of organic edibles that you can certainly grow at home!

"By the Sea", designed by James Collicot (seated above) is charming garden, as is its sister landscape "Fun on Sea" and certainly another favourite for me, but with a really special twist as it was built on a low budget using many up-cycled materials and presented by the Southend-on-Sea Youth Offending Team - what a great way to use all that energy!

Brownfield Metaphorphosis (above) is part of the 'Gardens for a Changing World' category at Hampton Court this year and is designed to emphasise the unexpected 'beauty' of Britain's brownfield sites - certainly an eye-catcher, although you might not have room for this at home!

Don't miss the floral displays in both the large tents on site - you'll see some amazing sights, including this one! There's roses galore in one marquee, incredible floral fantasies in another and of course, the main marquee. Great for sheltering from the rain if you need to!

The big attraction at the Perennial garden is the fantastically painted dancing couple, representing the myriad of colours perennials offer in the garden. But step inside and look at the planting - it's perfect!

And if you don't have space for some of the wonderful ideas at home - stop in at the Easigrass stand on your way into the show and marvel at their living walls! 

The RHS Hampton Court Flower Show is open all this week and is well worth a visit, especially in this wonderful weather.