Variety is the spice of Hampton Court
Stunning quality and the huge range of plants available is what makes Hampton Court Palace Flower Show special for Chris Sanders, of the RHS Woody Plant Committee.
"I'm very impressed with the sheer variety of stands," said Chris. "There's probably every type of plant here, from alpines to acers and more."
Chris' list of outstanding stands includes the much-mentioned H W Hyde Lilies in the Floral Marquee. "The quality of their plants, staging, and variety of species makes it stick in my mind," he said. Other 'must-see' stands include:
- Fernatix: "They have a tremendous range of ferns in all shapes and sizes, including a climbing fern I didn't even know existed. Also the new Athyrium 'Ocean's Fury' is outstanding."
- Priorswood Clematis: Look out for Clematis 'Confetti', with nodding rosy-pink, bell-shaped flowers.
- Dave Parkinson Plants is showing Disa orchids. "Faultless quality and a superb range of colours, including deep oranges," says Chris.
Hostas - perfect plants for beginners
It's hostas that are closest to Chris' heart though. "I'm a fanatic," he says. "I must have well over 100 different varieties."
If you're an absolute newcomer to gardening these are the plants Chris recommends. "I grow them all in pots - they're much easier to grow and it also helps to control the slugs. The plants also mature faster."
Chris' Top Tip: If you buy plants at the show - and who can resist? - Chris says it can take up to five years to reach their full glory, but pop it in a container, feed and water it, and you'll soon have a magnificent plant.
Bowden Hostas are Chris' pick of the nursery stands for his favourite plant. Hosta 'Twilight' (green with a yellow edge) is one to watch out for as well as 'Minuteman' (deep green with a white edge). 'Minuteman' is the latest in an interesting collection of hostas whose names are inspired by the American Civil War. A 'Minuteman' was a farmer who agreed to be ready to fight for the cause at a minute's notice. Others in the series include 'Patriot' and 'Loyalist' (pictured above).