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how best to create a spacious and exciting event that allows for social distancing and compliance with all current safety measures,” said Head of Shows, Di Walton.

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival at the beginning of July and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park at the end of the month will present an overarching theme of health and wellbeing. At Hampton, the topic will be celebrated in a new Community Area, with allotmentstyle gardens created by local community groups, keen gardeners and budding garden designers.

At Tatton, the RHS Flower Power Garden by Anca Panait will explore the positive power of flowers and plants on our senses. In midJune BBC Gardeners' World in Birmingham will have a number of new features, including a mass display of colourful, wand-like eremurus bulbs in the Floral Marquee, and a new My Gardeners' World stage. Outdoor categories include dramatic show gardens and more than 30 beautiful border displays. Indoors, aisle widths and the distance between exhibition stands has been increased, with visitor attendance lessened.

In mid-August both the Shrewsbury Flower Show and Southport Flower Show are scheduled to take place, with details to be confirmed.

Stephen Bennett, previously RHS director of shows for 28 years and now a horticultural events consultant, said: “Online shopping is all very well, but for the informed selection of excellent plants for your garden, meeting the passionate people who grow and stage these displays is by far the best way, even through the filter of a face mask!”