The Outdoors

The highlights of the horticultural calendar, garden festivals - both in England and abroad - are an inspiration to amateur gardeners.

While many of the show gardens and specialist plant displays achieve a perfection that most gardeners can only envy, the imagination, innovation and vision that they represent is inspiring.

As well as the chance to loiter amongst the gorgeous botanical displays, garden festivals offer an excellent opportunity to stock up on new plants produced by specialist nurseries, as well as consulting professional gardeners, who are happy to offer advice and support.