The Royal Horticultural Society’s Malvern Spring Festival, held at the picturesque Three Counties Showground, proved to be an overwhelming success this year, drawing in over 90,000 visitors. As someone new to gardening, attending this four-day event—the official opener for the RHS Flower Show season—was an eye-opening and inspiring experience.
We chose Sunday to visit, known as dog day when visitors can bring their canine companions. Far from being a drawback, the presence of dogs added to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making it an ideal day to explore with family and friends.
The festival truly caters to every gardener’s needs and interests. Whether you’re looking to purchase affordable small plants or invest in luxury greenhouses and summerhouses costing thousands, there’s something for every garden size and budget. The range of products on offer was extensive, featuring innovative robot mowers, a variety of gardening tools, and everything essential to maintain a flourishing garden.
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What stood out most was the opportunity to discover new gardening styles and ideas. Even with a limited background, I found myself drawn to areas I hadn’t considered before, inspired by the impressive plant displays and diverse stalls. Viburnums, particularly the snowball tree varieties, were clearly a highlight for many visitors, filling shopping carts and brightening the festival grounds.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by friendly staff, live music performed on scattered bandstands, and the overall feel-good vibe throughout the venue. Informative talks offered insights appealing even to casual gardeners like myself. Food options were abundant, ranging from street food vans to a dedicated pavilion serving hot and cold dishes—a perfect complement to a day of exploring.
With more than six hours spent wandering the grounds, I left the festival eager to visit again. RHS Malvern Spring Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of horticultural excellence and community spirit.
According to Kate Dufton, Show Manager of RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the event continues to lead the nation’s gardening calendar by showcasing innovative garden designs and trends. This year featured six show gardens, three unique feature gardens, the return of the RHS-judged Indoor Plant Gardens, and introduced two exciting categories planned for 2026: ‘Blooming Borders’ and ‘Floral Tablescaping’.
Kate highlighted the festival’s fantastic response: “The atmosphere across the Showground has been wonderful, helped by great weather, exciting new features and brilliant visitor engagement. Reaching 90,000 visitors is a testament to the creativity, passion and hard work of everyone involved.”
The success and vibrancy of this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival have firmly established Malvern as a key fixture in the UK’s gardening calendar—a must-visit for novices and experts alike.