Countdown to The Hummingbird Haven at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

As the excitement builds for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, a flurry of last-minute tasks is keeping us busy. With only two weeks left before the event kicks off, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel as our To Do List slowly starts to decrease. From selecting the plants to briefing the volunteers, each task brings us closer to a breathtaking presentation.

Checking on the Plants

The first step in our preparation is to ensure that the plants are healthy and beautiful. We have a few more specimens to find, but have selected and arranged the delivery of most of them. We have been helped by all the wonderful providers we have used. So a big thank you to Provender Nurseries, Hortus Loci, Norfolk Herbs, Beth Chatto's Plants, RHS Plants, Langthorn's Plantery and Mandy Plants.

The Hummingbird Haven

The weather conditions this spring and early summer have really made things harder; we have swung between hot sun and high temperatures, to persistent wind and unseasonally cold mornings. The biggest problem has been the lack of rain and the drought has made some plants struggle more than others.

Briefing the Wonderful Volunteers

Ali and I have been delighted by all the friends and family members that have put their hands up to help us with the build and break. Everyone is now accreditated and nearly everyone has completed their online training. The RHS show sites are so completely different during the build period. They really are construction sites, with lorries, forklifts, diggers and obviously plants everywhere!

I think the biggest challenge this year will be keeping the plants and volunteers well-hydrated if the predicted heatwave comes to pass.

Preparing All the Equipment

Next on our checklist is ensuring all our equipment is in top shape. This includes everything from tools and planting supplies to our display materials. By preparing all necessary items, we can create a captivating experience when the festival begins.

We meticulously clean each piece of equipment to ensure we do not spread any infections or pests. As there are so many plants st the RHS shows, biosecurity has to be a priority.

Some beautiful inspiration

We and other exhibitors in the 'For the Love of Lamiaceae' borders will share larger pieces of equipment such as wheelbarrows and hoses, but the list for me to bring on the first day of the build is still quite long. The London College of Garden Design is providing hiviz jackets for everyone, so one less thing to buy!

Balancing Family Commitments While I'm Away

Amid the hustle and bustle, balancing family life remains essential. Ensuring that everything is organized at home helps ease any worries during the event. I check in with family members, making sure everyone knows the plan while I’m at the festival. They have been wonderful during the build up and I cannot wait to show them the result when they visit on the final Sunday.

Final Countdown to The Hummingbird Haven

At the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, we aim to inspire a love for plants and garden design while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Though the journey has involved a lot of paperwork, numerous late-night calls to Ali in California and so many decisions, the joy of sharing our garden with the world makes it all worthwhile. We can't wait to welcome everyone to The Hummingbird Haven!