Chris Collins
Author and broadcaster
Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins is often seen on TV talking passionately about flower shows like Hampton Court and Chelsea. He hosted his own series on BBC2, called The Plantsman, and in 2007 Chris was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh medal for his services to horticulture. He was part of the team that won a silver medal at Chelsea in 2008 with 'The garden that kids really want'.
Royal Horticultural Society How long have you been going to Hampton Court?
Chris Collins For over 20 years now, since I was an apprentice.
RHS Hampton Court Flower show in five words
CC It’s a gardeners’ gardening show.
RHS What do you enjoy most about Hampton Court?
CC I enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a gardeners' show and therefore much more down to earth than its more illustrious earlier sibling.
RHS Best Hampton Court experience?
CC Presenting live coverage for the BBC in a dinner suit for its Friday night coverage. I was giving out the medals. I had just started doing TV work so I’m not sure I was any good, but I enjoyed myself.
RHS What kind of garden do you have at home?
CC It's all containers. It moves around a lot, like me. At the moment there are thousands of bulbs in hanging baskets, pots and troughs. In the spring I’ll plant summer bedding and veg.
RHS What’s your favourite plant or planting combination?
CC It changes with the seasons. I have in a container Forget-me-not with Narcissus ‘February Gold’ erupting out the top – looks great and cheers me up in the morning.
RHS What’s your favourite style of garden design?
CC I love woodland gardens. I much prefer gardens where the plants are the stars, not the designers.
RHS Your top tip for surviving Hampton Court?
CC Bring waterproofs. Don’t complain about the weather - we need rain, or at least the plants do! Just bring waterproofs.
RHS What’s the main trend for 2010?
CC I see a continuation on both the themes of growing your own and encouraging children to get their hands in the soil.
RHS What do you do once Hampton Court week is over?
CC I’m always busy doing something related to horticulture - running a small business can be pretty full on.