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Floral romance at the RHS London Flower Show

Displays of early spring bulbs, winter colour and floral bouquets ignite a passion for plants this Valentine's day at the RHS February London Flower Show, February 13-14.

The UK's leading nurseries and growers will be on hand to inspire those searching for a unique Valentine's gift.

The National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) will present a floral arrangement entitled 'The Romantic Garden' whilst the Ichiyo School of Ikebana will offer another take on floral arrangements with 'Romance in the Air'.  For traditionalists there will be red lilies and a new pink variety 'Pink Heaven' from HW Hyde & Son.

In another Valentine's treat bulb specialists Foxgrove Plants will unveil a stunning display of snowdrops and Broadleigh Gardens will bring some more unusual varieties of snowdrops to the show. To book tickets call 0845 612 1253.

For those inspired by the snowdrop displays at the RHS London Flower Show, a day trip to RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey is ideal. The garden has one of the largest collections in the UK with over 140 different varieties of snowdrops. Late January and February sees the peak flowering at Wisley with extensive plantings in the Wild Garden and some rarer gems in the Rock Garden. Pre-booked guided walks are available on February 10 and 12.

Guy Barter, Head of Horticultural Advisory Services at the RHS, suggests the following for those wanting to inject some passionate colour into their garden:

• Modern gardens have many shady places that dry out in summer - late winter bulbs including snowdrops are ideal for these.
• A charming collection of different snowdrops is an excellent point of interest for even tiny gardens.
• Bigger gardens might be able to accommodate a winter border where aconites, snowdrops, species  crocus and other very early flowering bulbs can join winter flowering shrubs.
• Crocus are ideal for sunny areas, especially lawns and actually like a warm summer soil to ripen  the bulbs.
• Dwarf irises mix well with grasses and in gravel gardens, dying down when the grasses are in full growth.

For more information about the show - please access the RHS website.

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