RS: What are the other elements that participants will particularly enjoy on these programs?
KT: The scale of the grand marquee is impressive with its backdrop to the Chelsea Hospital, home of the famous Chelsea Pensioners. The skill that goes into the exhibits and keeping them looking great through the week is impressive. Look out for medals — gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze, and the best-in-show awards — and see if you agree. The people vote every year by a telephone vote, and it is not usually the same garden that wins.
RS: What are your favorite things to grow in your own garden?
KT: I am a member of the British Clematis Society, The RHS Lily Group and the Australasian Plant Society amongst others, so anything in these could be a favourite — although our lilies are plagued by Lily beetle!
RS: A novice gardener asks you for the one piece of advice that could help them get their flower garden off the ground. What would you say?
KT: “Right plant right place” means you are less likely to lose plants and become disheartened straight away. Look at what grows well in your neighbour’s garden where the soil conditions are the same. Plants that like Florida will not like Montana. It’s the same in England — the west is wet and mild, the east is cold and dry.
RS: English gardens are iconic in the horticultural world. Why is gardening so important in local culture? What are the conditions that seem to benefit English gardens so greatly?
KT: In the UK as a whole, we benefit from a maritime climate. Having the sea all around us keeps us milder and with fewer extremes than in mainland Europe. Regular rainfall usually means we can grow a wide range of plants. The west coast — with the influence of the Gulf Stream — is frost-free most years, so lots of tender plants can be grown outside all year round.
RS: Outside of England, where are your favorite gardens in the world?
KT: I love the Italian gardens of Florence — the Medici gardens and also Lake Como Villas — but there are so many more all over the world yet to visit!
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Dates for our 2018 flower shows are open now. These programs always sell out early, so enroll as soon as possible if you want to join Kevin next year at the Chelsea or Hampton Court Flower Shows!