An incandescent array of exotic orchids goes on display in Westminster next week.
The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Spring Launch and Orchid Show brings experts to the capital to show off (and sell) the unusual plants. Nurseries and growers from all over the country — including the Orchid Society of Great Britain — specialising both in orchids generally and unique subspecies of the plant offer tips on looking after your own orchids at home.
The programme of talks (included in admission) includes Laurence Hobbs — owner of specialist company Laurence Hobbs Orchids — offering 'orchids for beginners' tips, and fellow expert Jeff Hutchins advising on which hardy species are suitable for the garden.
There's more to the show than orchids though, with plenty of chances to stock up on other indoor and outdoor plants, including bonsai trees and airplants.
It's the first RHS show of the year, providing a warm-up to better-known events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.
Visitors to the Orchid Show are offered a preview of these larger festivals, including some of the garden designs which will appear at Chelsea.
There's an exclusive preview evening on Monday 8 April, with free activities including glitter face painting, a terrarium workshop, plus food stalls, and a welcome drink included in ticket price.
The show then continues on 9-10 April with a different programme of talks each day, plus terrarium workshops, paper flower making classes and a chance to make your own flower crown.
The RHS Spring Launch and Orchid Show takes place at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, 8-10 April 2019. Book tickets here.
Flower fan? There's also a tulip festival with 20,000 of the flowers taking place the same week.
