May kicks off a vibrant array of summer garden and flower shows here in the UK. From iconic events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to regional favourites like the Derbyshire Well Dressings, these shows celebrate horticultural excellence and innovation, offering inspiration for keen gardeners and those who appreciate a well-kept backyard. Here are some of Fabsil’s favourites of the 2025 season.
20-24 May - Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
The crowning glory of the Royal Horticultural Society’s events, the Chelsea Flower Show remains the pinnacle of any garden enthusiast’s calendar. This year’s show features the debut of Monty Don’s dog-friendly garden, utilising clovers, daisies and dandelions to improve the hardiness of the lawn and make it the perfect space for our four-legged friends. Innovative exhibits include the Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden, equipped with AI sensors to monitor tree health. This helps to predict future conditions and offer actionable advice to preserve and protect the trees. Other highlights are the Glasshouse Garden, inspired by rehabilitation through horticulture, and the Cha no Niwa, a serene and harmonious Japanese Tea Garden.
23-25 May - Hamilton Park Racecourse, South Lanarkshire
A vibrant celebration of all things green, featuring exceptional gardening talent, live entertainment and some top grub, the Scottish Garden Festival is advantageously located between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Showcasing a broad spectrum of exhibitors that offer the latest in gardening tools and crafts, attendees can enjoy expert talks, indulge in Scottish delicacies from unique food vendors and get stuck in with hands-on demonstrations.
12-15 June - NEC Birmingham
This flagship gardening event is unmissable for those with green fingers. The long weekend is crammed with expert talks from industry favourites, like Frances Tophill and Adam Frost, sensational show gardens and the International Orchid Show (a show within a show!). There will also be the opportunity to dine at the Good Food Restaurant, providing a sit-down lunch featuring tasty dishes inspired by Good Food Magazine.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
1-6 July - Hampton Court Palace, London
Set against the historic backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, this festival offers a more relaxed atmosphere, focusing on environmental themes and edible gardening. Attendees can explore show gardens, floral marquees and the popular RHS Allotments, which champion community growing efforts. The event also features live music, street food and talks from leading horticultural experts. Notably, this will be the last Hampton Court Garden Festival until its return in 2027, as the show will tour to Badminton Estate next year.
16-20 July - Cheshire
Taking place within the beautiful parkland of Tatton Park in Cheshire, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park promotes bold garden design, vibrant planting and fresh ideas. Known for its support of emerging talent, the show highlights young designers and cutting-edge garden concepts through its Young Designer of the Year competition. Visitors can explore a wide range of terrace gardens, intriguing planting ideas and innovative landscaping trends. With a lively atmosphere, artisan food markets and family-friendly activities, Tatton Park is a must-visit for gardening fans this summer.
Get your garden summer-ready
Fabsil might not be able to help you recreate the splendour and opulence of some of the superb gardens exhibiting at these gardening shows, but we can certainly prepare your garden furniture for a spring and summer full of sun (and rain). From parasols and outdoor cushions to hammocks and awnings, Fabsil’s Universal Protector UV will protect your outdoor equipment from sun damage and repel those unwelcome summer downpours. We sadly can’t provide you with the horticultural powers of Alan Titchmarsh or Monty Don, but we can keep you and your guests protected and comfortable whilst lounging in the garden this summer.
