This display of cacti from Southfield Nurseries of Lincolnshire won a Gold medal and Best Floral Marquee Exhibit. A 45 year-old Mamillaria apolozensis var. saltensis – grown from seed at the nursery – formed a stunning centrepiece.

If you thought that conifers were all boring green blobs, think again. This exhibit by Owen Brothers of Worcester showed the diversity of these ancient plants to incredible effect. Their colours, textures and forms were further enlivened by clever use of water, driftwood and mirrors.

A colourful display of Acer palmatum cultivars from Norfield Nurseries of Buckinghamshire showcased the bright spring hues so typical of these plants. Remember to plant them in places sheltered from drying winds to avoid leaf scorch.

Clematis are great spring favourites, but how many of us think to combine them with each other? This stand, from Priorswood Clematis of Herefordshire, reminded visitors that there is a huge range of flower shapes and colours of clematis, so there's bound to be one to suit any garden.

Long-standing exhibitors at RHS shows, Suffolk-based Fernatix displayed a huge range of ferns, from the rare and unusual to some more commonly-seen species. Here, Dryopteris erthrosora looked amazing stripped of its overwintered foliage to reveal shocking shrimp-pink new fronds.

Showing that planting for shade is about more than just ferns and hostas, this woodland-floor display from Tale Valley Nursery of Devon was an object lesson in combining different forms and textures of plants. Astelias are one of the few silver-leafed plants to grow well in shade.

A galaxy of tulips from Bloms Bulbs of Bedfordshire gave a welcome injection of springtime cheer, including the unusual, multi-stemmed 'Red Georgette'.

Part floristry exhibit, part humorous and joyful defiance, this carnation-based display from Highpark Nursery celebrated one man's achievement in overcoming the stigma associated with dyslexia to gain a degree and run a successful business.

Hailing from Wales, Pheasant Acre Plants' eye-popping display of tulips – frilled, streaked and multicoloured – were all neatly displayed in wooden crates, sure to delight everyone who saw them.

Peony heaven came to Malvern with this delightful exhibit of pink, white and salmon-coloured Paeonia lactiflora cultivars from  Primrose Hall Nursery of Bedfordshire