The sun shone at Cardiff

Glorious weather drew the crowds at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show in April...

Gardens Monthly team at work

A warm welcome to all those who visited our stand at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show last weekend, took advantage of our great subscription offer to Gardens Monthly magazine and joined the website at the show. Some of you may also have met Mary Payne, one of our Q&A panel of advisors who was there in person, answering all your questions, on Saturday. It was great to meet you face to face and talk about plants and gardening in such nice surroundings. I'll shortly be emailing you a newsletter with details of what's coming up on the site and in the magazine, so look out for that.

Many of you were drawn to the two roses we were giving away free as part of a special show subscription deal – the yellow climbing patio rose 'Summertime' (Rose of the Year 2005), and the richly coloured floribunda rose 'Rhapsody in Blue' (Rose of the Year 2003), with purple blooms that fade to slate grey.

New subscribers to Gardens Monthly magazine can take advantage of a choice between three free gifts; the updated version of the RHS Plant Finder, a collection of pinks, or a pair of Gardena loppers. Choose one when you subscribe and you'll also make great savings of 30% if you pay by direct debit.

Set in Bute Park, against the scenic backdrop of Cardiff Castle, the show, now in its third year, marks the beginning of the Royal Horticultural Society's flower-show season. This year it also coincided with the Queen's birthday as the rounds of cannon fire testified to.

Highlights included show feature gardens designed by Welsh societies, colleges and designers; floral marquees housing colourful and fragrant blooms from more than 50 UK nurseries; bedding-plant displays by Welsh Local Authorities; talks and demonstrations; plants and sundries to buy; plenty of music; and local produce.

This May Lullingstone Castle, one of the oldest family estates in the country, opens its gates to all plant enthusiasts keen to view the best plants in the South East at Tom Hart Dyke's first personal plant fair. Gardens Monthly magazine will be there, and we hope to see you too.

Gardens Monthly recently visited and interviewed Tom at the castle; some of you may be familiar with his fascinating story through watching the recent BBC TV programme Return to Lullingstone Castle – see the Related Article at the bottom of this page for more on Tom and his work.

Tom watering in the polytunnel

Tom explains: 'We've invited the best growers and nursery specialists in the South East to attend the fair, and I literally can't wait to see what they bring!'

The fair intends to celebrate all that is great about horticulture in Kent and Sussex and act as a possible annual meeting place for all independent nursery specialists who have been hit hard by the water shortages, drought fears and trials of running a small business in such a harsh climate for horticulture.

From world-leading orchid specialists, to Chelsea medal-winning iris, Sheila Chapman clematis, fuchsias and new local growers, it's an unprecedented event not to be missed.

Come and meet members of the Gardens Monthly team at the show. Entrance fee is the usual ticket price for Lullingstone, which includes entrance to the plant fair, Castle, World Garden and grounds: adults £6; senior citizens £5.50; children £2.50; family £12.50. Visit Lullingstone Castle for more details.