A host of plants in the Grow Zone

There was lots for anyone with a keen interest in gardening with more than 100 plant exhibits and demonstrations in the Grow Zone

Floral Marquee – see our photo gallery highlighting star plants.

Near 100 of the UK’s best nurseries together under one roof. New for 2013 were three RHS Potting Benches within the Marquee where nursery specialists put on short, informal, interactive hands-on demonstrations to pass on practical tips for visitors to take home. It was an opportunity to meet the growers, pick up top tips and get up close and personal with our nursery specialists.

Plant village – perfect for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show visitor, the Plant Village had a decidedly more relaxed and informal atmosphere. Small specialist nurseries filled the plant fair with high-quality displays; visitors had the opportunity to take home a piece of the show from the plants for sale.

Plant Heritage Marquee – celebrating the 35th anniversary of Plant Heritage, nine National Plant Collection holders shared their passion for their particular genus and highlighted the importance of the protection and conservation of British Garden Plants.

A central feature designed to show the National Plant Collections as ‘Jewels in the Crown’ was at the heart of the anniversary celebration.

Designer Selina Botham explained: "The feature displays not only National Plant Collections but those plants that are not included in National Plant Collections. These plants may be trodden on or die as the week goes on. This is intentional and indicates that there is still much to be done to continue the vital conservation work of Plant Heritage for many years to come.'

There were displays of jasmine from Tynings Climbers, irises from Sarah Cook and Anne Milner and hostas from Mickfield Hostas.

The popular Seed Shop returned with more than 4,000 packets of rare and unusual seeds donated by members, and for the first time a fantastic selection from celebrities such as Brian May, Kim Wilde, and modern day plant hunter and kidnap victim, Tom Hart Dyke. All proceeds went to the charity.

Family fun

Schools' Scarecrow Competition - infant and primary schools from all over the South-East took part in the annual schools’ Scarecrow Competition. Themed around national costumes from all around the world, the competition challenged the schools, which are all part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, to create a scarecrow from scratch using only plant and recycled materials. Show visitors were able to vote for their favourite of these brightly coloured and imaginative scarecrows throughout the week.

St James C of E Primary School won first place with its colourful scarecrow (left). Second place was Trafalgar Infant School and third place was Northbourne Park School. Well done to all schools.

Family Activities with Perfect for Pollinators - The Children’s Zone came alive with activities over the weekend, featuring a ‘Sow and Grow’ feature, where children were sowing yarrow, decorating their pots and taking home an RHS care sheet explaining how to look after their new plant. There was also a buzz in the air as bumblebee hats were crafted and donned.