Founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, the Royal Horticultural Society is the leading gardening society in the United Kingdom that promotes horticulture through its gardens, flower and gardening shows taking place across the UK, community gardening schemes, the Britain in Bloom horticultural campaign, and an extensive educational program.
The RHS Malvern Spring Festival usually kicks off the RHS Show season across the country. The event takes place at the Three Counties Showground, owned and operated by the Three Counties Agricultural Society that unites the agricultural counties of Hereford, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. The RHS and the Three Counties Agricultural Society have been producing the much-anticipated festival since 1985.
The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is a real paradise for those interested in all things horticulture. It offers an exciting and extensive program of events and activites held in several dedicated areas: Plants & Flowers, Gardens, Shopping, Food & Drink, and Festival Theater, and others.
The Garden area is, unsurprisingly, filled with beautiful gardens: Show Gardens showcasing the latest garden design trends and award-winning planting ideas; Feature Gardens where visitors can pick up innovative ideas to try at home; school gardens created by students participating in the School Gardens Challenge; and several permanent gardens that are the pride of the Three Counties Showground.
The Plants & Flowers area of the Malvern Spring Festival is the place to purchase the best plants from expert nurseries, ranging from herbs and ferns to ornamental trees. The area features the Floral Marquee showcasing carefully selected exhibitors, the Festival of Houseplants, the RHS Gardening Advisory Stand where visitors can get free gardening help and advice, the Plant Village and Pavilions with British-grown plants, and the Floral Section. Thanks to the festival’s free plant creche and porter service, you can enjoy the event without hauling your purchases around: your plants will be looked after so you can continue shopping and enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Everything that is not plants can be purchased in the festival’s shopping area. Here you can find handmade jewelry, antiques, homeware, original artwork, high-end gifts and treats offered by local independent craftsmen, and more. The Food & Drink area of the festival offers a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and snack food options, as well as showcases numerous artisan food producers exhibiting some of the best artisan, homemade and local specialty products that the Three Counties have to offer, complemented with international delicacies.
The Festival Theater hosts lively talks and informative demonstrations with gardening experts. The talk schedule is packed with exciting events, and there is something in it for everyone. In addition to the talks, the festival program includes family fun, with lots of activities specifically for children, planet-friendly gardening, and many other highlights.
Photo: rhsmalvern.co.uk
