The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is renowned around the world and a highlight of the year for many gardeners. Featuring gardens by top designers, incredible floral displays, shopping tents and plant stalls, it’s a show that sets trends and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. If you’re inspired by this annual event, why not try one of the many others that are held around the world, from the vibrant tulip festival in Amsterdam to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which is held in a Unesco World Heritage Site.
PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Pennsylvania
This is one of the largest indoor flower shows in the world, held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a massive 10-acre exhibition space. The theme of the show this year is ‘Rooted: origins of American gardening’. You can expect plenty of shopping opportunities, impressive displays from floral and landscape designers, plant exhibits and informative gardening talks.
When is it on: End of February
Why is it special? It’s one of the oldest flower shows in the world.
Tulip Festival, Amsterdam
During the tulip festival, there are not only many displays to see around Amsterdam in the gardens of museums and public parks, but also in the tulip fields outside the city. Visit Keukenhof Tulip Fields for some of the most spectacular displays. There are over seven million bulbs planted in these gardens, with 800 varieties of tulips and many other spring flowers. Peak tulip season is in mid April and it’s a good idea to book in advance. Keukenhof is only open during tulip season.
When is it on: April
Why is it special? It’s an opportunity to see hundreds of different tulip varieties en masse.
Singapore Garden Festival
Sometimes called the ‘Chelsea of Asia’, Singapore Garden Festival has become a world renowned event. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this biennial event, which will be held this year at Gardens by the Bay, where you can also see the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and vertical gardens. One of the highlights of the show is the Floral Windows to the World competition, with cut flower displays created by international designers.
When is it on: July
Why is it special? Its tropical location and striking backdrop at Gardens by the Bay will make this show one to remember.
Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland
Bord Bia Bloom will take place on the second May bank holiday weekend in Phoenix Park in Dublin. This show was created originally to showcase plants and garden design, but it’s expanded over its 20 year history to celebrate food and drink. As well as show gardens, there will be the popular Postcard Gardens, showing how much can be achieved in a small space, Diarmuid Gavin will be talking on the gardening stage and there will be plenty of inspiring plants and flowers in the Nursery Village.
When is it on: End of May
Why is it special? It focuses on sustainable living, with plenty of practical advice on how to achieve this at home and when creating a garden.
The Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa
It’s free to enter this festival, which takes place in the Canada’s capital, Ottawa. In 1945 the Dutch Royal Family sent the city 100,000 tulips as a thank you for offering shelter to them during World War II, and have continued to send a gift of tulips every year. In 1953 the Canadian Tulip Festival was created in honour of the friendship between the two countries. It features a tulip trail and more than 300,00o tulips with 100 different varieties throughout the city.
When is it on: May
Why is it special? It’s a festival that celebrates a history and friendship between two countries.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Australia
This annual five-day event attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. It’s held in Carlton Gardens, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The theme for this year’s show is Kaleidoscope, with highlights including Landscape Design Show Gardens, floral artistry in the Great Hall of Flowers and an outdoor art and sculpture gallery. Find plenty of design ideas for small spaces from competitions including hanging baskets, borders and balcony designs.
When is it on: March
Why is it special? The setting is spectacular with flower exhibitions inside The Royal Exhibition Building and show gardens in the historic Carlton gardens.
And look out for…
RHS Badminton Flower Show, Gloucestershire
Hampton Court Flower Show has been moved to a biennial schedule. This year, the RHS is launching a new show in its place, the RHS Badminton Flower Show in Gloucestershire. Look out for the Pocket Planting Gardens, a category for new designers and their first gardens, which will be rated by the RHS judges. There will also be artisan gardens and feature gardens offering inspiration for your own garden.
When is it on: July
Why is it special? It’s a new show that takes place on the beautiful Badminton Estate.
