The Rutland Flower Show
16th July 2026
Following a hugely successful first year, The Rutland Flower Show returns to The Rutland Showground from 14–16 August 2026.
The three-day event brings together specialist growers, inspiring talks, workshops, Show Gardens, competitions, artisan shopping, delicious food, local entertainment, family fun and a generous dose of gardening celebrity sparkle – including Carol Klein’s first appearance at the Show. From artisan makers to zinnias, Editor Clare Rudd-Jones has had great fun cultivating this A–Z of the Show, picking out just some of the people, plants and experiences that make it one of our favourite summer events.
A is for artisan makers. Discover beautifully crafted homewares, gifts, garden accessories, art and handmade treasures from talented local and regional makers.
B is for Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Look to the skies as the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight makes a special flypast during the Show – a memorable highlight.
C is for competitions. Fancy entering? The Show features floral, art, produce and craft competitions. Visit the website for categories, entry details and deadlines.
D is for demonstrations. Pick up practical tips and fresh ideas from live demonstrations taking place throughout the three-day event.
E is for exhibitors. With more than 250 exhibitors expected, there’s plenty to discover, from specialist growers and artisan food producers to shopping, plants and home inspiration.
F is for Adam Frost. The much-loved Gardeners’ World presenter, who lives on our patch, returns on Friday and Sunday with practical gardening advice, warmth and inspiration. Also for F – new for 2026 is the Floral Marquee, showcasing beautiful floral displays from leading growers.
G is for Bunny Guinness. Cambridgeshire-based garden designer Bunny Guinness joins this year’s outstanding line-up of speakers. Also under G is the impressive Grand Marquee, sponsored by Gates Garden Centre; expect it to be packed with specialist nurseries, growers and beautiful displays.
H is for Nick Hamilton. The owner of Rutland’s Barnsdale Gardens, and son of Gardeners’ World Geoff, is back to share his knowledge and passion for gardening.
I is for inspiration. From beautiful planting and creative displays to expert advice and practical ideas, you’ll leave with plenty of inspiration to take home.
J is for Imogen Joyce. Talented local artist Imogen Joyce will be leading this year’s floral watercolour workshops, offering visitors the chance to create their own botanical artwork to take home.
K is for Carol Klein. Yes, you read that right! Gardeners’ World veteran Carol makes her Rutland Flower Show debut on Saturday – one of the biggest highlights of this year’s programme. We can’t wait!
L is for local talent. From bands and growers to designers, artisans and expert speakers, celebrating local talent is one of the things that makes the Rutland Flower Show so special.
M is for music. The Victorian-style Bandstand, at the heart of the Show, will host live performances from local bands throughout the weekend, adding to the relaxed summer atmosphere. Pull up a chair and enjoy!
N is for nurseries. With more than 50 specialist nurseries and growers – including Chelsea Gold Medal winners, famous names such as Hardy’s, Middleton’s and Proctor’s, and local favourites including Gates Garden Centre and Rutland Nursery – plant lovers will be spoilt for choice.
O is for outdoor living. Discover stylish ideas for making the most of your outdoor space, from planting and landscaping to furniture and garden living.
P is for plants. From unusual varieties to garden favourites, you’ll find plants in abundance, along with friendly advice from expert growers.
Q is for questions. Bring your gardening questions along and make the most of the opportunity to chat with some of the country’s leading experts.
R is for Rutland Garden Theatre. This magazine is thrilled to be sponsoring the Rutland Garden
Theatre, where visitors can hear from gardening personalities, growers, designers and floral experts throughout the three-day show.
S is for Show Gardens & Soil Smiths. Explore inspiring Show Gardens, then discover what’s happening beneath your own! An exciting new addition for 2026, Soil Smiths will be offering fascinating same-day soil analysis throughout the weekend.
T is for three glorious days. Taking place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, the three-day format means there’s plenty of time to enjoy the talks, workshops, shopping, entertainment and beautiful displays.
U is for under-16s. Children go FREE, with circus workshops, giant bubble displays, planting activities, outdoor games and fairground rides making it a wonderful family day out.
V is for vintage fairground. Nostalgic, beautifully restored and wonderfully photogenic, the vintage fairground is one of our favourite spots for a summer photograph.
W is for workshops. This year’s workshops include floral watercolour, luxury candle making and stone planter making – a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill.
X is for eXperts (sorry!). Alongside Adam Frost, Carol Klein, Bunny Guinness, Nick Hamilton and Matthew Wilson, don’t miss talks from award-winning garden designer TJ Kennedy – fresh from winning a Gold Medal for her Show Garden, Sanctuary for a Changing World, at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show – and medical herbalist Jody Knapp.
Y is for Yvette’s Design Solutions. One of our favourite local garden designers, Yvette is one of the Rutland Garden Show Ambassadors, helping make the Show extra special.
Z is for zinnias. A flower alphabet simply wouldn’t be complete without zinnias – and, if we’re honest, we’re rather grateful they rescued our trickiest letter!
