This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Fancy getting inspired by all things green in the grounds of an actual palace?
From Tuesday 2 July to Sunday 7 July, you're invited to join the Royal Horticultural Society at one of the grandest former royal residences in London. This is the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, a chance for keen gardeners and novices alike to bask in the beauty of nature at Henry VIII's old gaff, get tips and tricks for growing at home, and leave laden with houseplants to brighten up that living room.
Here are five reasons to visit:
1. Gardens galore
As you might expect, garden design takes centre stage at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (the name gives it away, doesn't it?). This year, there are some fantastically-themed oases for you to explore, from The Lion King Anniversary Garden — which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Disney musical in the West End — to Arit Anderson's Peat-Free Garden, created using exclusively upcycled materials.
If you're looking to transform your own green space with limited funds, be sure to pop by the RHS Money Saving Garden for inspiration. Here, you'll discover how to grow for free, and cultivate a beautiful outdoor space on a budget.
2. Tips, tricks (and houseplants!) to take home
More opportunities to nurture your green thumb can be found in the form of talks by industry experts like Arit Anderson, Adam Frost, Joe Swift and Rekha Mistry, to name but a few.
Masterclasses take place every day in the Peat-Free Garden, or get stuck into a range of workshops, including terrarium-making — so no FOMO for gardenless festival-goers! Speaking of which, the festival also boasts a brand new Houseplant Market; an opportunity to let a little more greenery into your life, regardless of whether you have outdoor space to play with.
3. Flower power
Also brand new for 2024? A dazzling daisy display, with different species of Asteraceae planted en masse, to create a sea of colour. Flower lovers also won't want to miss the ever-popular Festival of Roses, where you can discover four new varieties. Hampton Court Palace itself, as you might know, is synonymous with the rose — peep the Tudor symbol on its brickwork, and there's the Rose Garden to see before you even get to the gates of the festival!
4. Food for thought
Want to start (or elevate) your own veggie patch? Visit the much-loved RHS Allotments for some inspiration. Here you'll find rows of seasonal vegetables — some perfectly formed, others beautifully wonky.
5. Summer family fun
Growers of all ages are well-catered for at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, with kids invited to learn all about beekeeping, build a den, or try out the Forest School. Take the opportunity to unwind, with an eclectic line-up of music at the bandstand and tons of incredible food and drink options. Choose between global street food served up by KERB, an ice-cream on Village Green or — if you're looking for something more regal to match the setting — splash out on a Fortnum & Mason Hamper, complete with fizz, to enjoy beside Long Water.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival runs Tuesday 2 July to Sunday 7 July. Tickets are available to book online now, and walk-up tickets may also be bought on the door at the festival, including tickets for children (and under 5s go free!)
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