The Royal Horticultural Society’s Malvern Spring Festival at the Three Counties Showground proved to be an extraordinary celebration of gardening, far surpassing expectations this year. As a complete gardening novice attending for the first time, I quickly understood why this four-day event is a highlight of the RHS Flower Show season.
I visited on Sunday, known as “dog day,” when pets are welcome — a unique feature that enhances, rather than detracts from, the experience. The festival’s diverse offerings truly cater to all ages and interests, making it a fantastic family outing.
From affordable household plants to grand greenhouses and luxury summer houses, the festival showcased garden options suited to every budget. The range of gardening tools, including the latest in robot lawn mowers, ensured that visitors could discover innovative ways to maintain their gardens. What fascinated me most was how the event introduced me to gardening styles and plants I had never considered before, encouraging me to explore my local garden centers with fresh eyes.
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Viburnums, particularly the snowball tree varieties, were the standout plants this year, visible in many visitors’ trolleys. The festival buzzed with a lively, feel-good atmosphere enhanced by friendly staff and live music playing at various bandstands throughout the site.
Though I’m not an expert gardener, the talks were engaging and informative, adding value to my visit. Food options were plentiful and varied, with numerous vendors offering hot and cold drinks and meals, alongside a dedicated food and drink pavilion.
Spending over six hours at the showground made it clear just how much there was to explore. The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is an exceptional event that I wouldn’t hesitate to attend again.
This year’s festival included six show gardens, three unique feature gardens, the return of the RHS-judged Indoor Plant Gardens, and exciting new categories for 2026, such as ‘Blooming Borders’ and ‘Floral Tablescaping.’ Kate Dufton, Show Manager, praised the event’s success: “Reaching 90,000 visitors is wonderful for the Festival and a testament to the creativity, passion and hard work of everyone involved.”
With strong attendance, innovative garden showcases, and fine weather, the Malvern Spring Festival continues to hold a central role in the UK gardening calendar, inspiring enthusiasts and novices alike.