My top rose

My favourite rose at Hampton Court this year was a new introduction called Dorothy House, from Fryer's Roses, which has a strong and heady fragrance. The contrasts of this variety are remarkable with dark green foilage accentuating the pale, pearl flowers that have a shimmer of pink. This rose is named after Doreen Constance Dorothy Elsie House of Bath, who died in March 2008, and proceeds will go to support the hospice in Winsley, Wiltshire.

Plant Heritage seeds

Thanks to a lady at the Plant Heritage, I have managed to get my hands on a comprehensive list of seeds that are available at the Hampton Court show. You will find them in the Plant Heritage area which is next door to the Tudor Rose Festival marquee, so pop in and see what rare varieties they have left...

The sun is out...

Just saw Joe Swift waxing lyrical about the Quilted Velvet garden - one of those gardens that splits us writers... I personally preferred Tony Smith's garden at Chelsea this year with all the slate. Too much wood in this one. The more avant garde may like it but the word from the punters was "hmmm!"

57 golds awarded

In the Floral Marquee, there was an astonishing 45 gold medals awarded, while a further 12 golds went to other categories, including the Festival of Roses, Plant Heritage, Inspiring Spaces, Floral Energy and Growing Tastes. One of my favourites was the Alpine campanulas by Sue Wooster in the Plant Heritage area (pictured above)

Allotment wins top prize

The Growing Tastes Allotment Garden from Winchester Growers won Best In Show at this year's event with their portrayal of a traditional family allotment.

More pics from the show here

See many more of my pictures from this year's event at Times Online's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show page

Sailing to a medal

The Whitgift School garden, part of this year's Tudor theme, has a couple of wonderful topiary galleons which are sailing on a sea of blue lavender and blue grass with Stipa tenuissima adding the visual dimension of spray. The garden is called Hidden Treasures from the Mary Rose and was awarded a Silver Gilt medal.

Sealed with a kiss...

Today is National Kissing Day so it is no surprise that we have the latest survey from online magazine getlippy.com saying that 95% of young women believe they aren't being kissed enough. However, the Brits are the best kissers in Europe, beating the Italians and the French. What's this got to do with Hampton Court flower show? There's a new Verbena on the block from Delamore Nurseries, called 'Strawberry Kiss'...

Fellow bloggers

Other bloggers here at Hampton Court are James Alexander Sinclair and Mark Diacomo and The Constant Gardener, so check them out...

Parasols under pressure

I have some sympathy with the Thailand show garden. The tranquil idyll that they have created has been interrupted by English squalls that threaten to tear part of the structure apart. Most at risk were the large parasols that rise up on tall bamboo poles. Still, that's our weather for you...

King barred from Hampton Court

Word has it that Henry VIII was denied access to his former residence this morning. Actors representing the king and his retinue were stopped from entering the showground by eagle-eyed security guards after they failed to produce the required passes. Here's a thought - if you were trying to get in on a freebie, would you really dress up as a medieval monarch?

Tudor theme at Hampton Court

To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's reign, the Royal Horticultural Society has introduced a special theme for this year's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. As visitors approach the Long Water, there are six different small gardens, each representing one of Henry’s wives. Opposite are two further gardens, one a sensory rose garden and the other a Tudor-style garden by Whitgift School called Hidden Treasures for the Mary Rose, which has a suitable nautical feel. The theme is continued in the Festival of Roses marquee where Henry’s Tudor court is the inspiration for all the exhibitors.

Damp and sore!

A damp start to the Hampton Court flower show - I wouldn't have minded because the showground was in need of some water (some of the grass was looking decidedly brown). However, I could have done without the hailstorm that descended over south-west London as I was riding my scooter to the event - not a pleasant experience since I now have little tender spots all over my torso. Hope it stays dry for the rest of the day...

Green theme

There is a 'green' theme to this year's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, which runs from July 7-12. Several show features are promoting garden energy, edible spaces in an urban context, organic gardening and allotments designed to grow and cook your own. Some of the show gardens have also picked up the theme and there is a series of 'sustainable' gardens. However, I do draw the line at 'green' water in the Press tent...