We can’t wait to welcome you all to the Cornwall Garden Society’s 2025 Spring Flower Show at The Royal Cornwall Showground this weekend!

Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions that we have compiled to help you plan your visit. You can also take a sneak peek at our Show Programme to find out what we have in store for you!

If your question isn’t answered here, please email it to us in the first instance via  bookingenquiries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.

Tickets

• Is it necessary to be a member of the Cornwall Garden Society to attend the Spring Flower Show or enter the Competitive Classes?

No. Everyone is welcome to attend our Spring Flower Show.

You do not need to be a member of the Cornwall Garden Society to either attend the event or enter the Competitive Classes at the Show.

• When I purchase an advance ticket for the Spring Flower Show, what will it look like?

When you purchase a ticket for the Spring Flower Show, you will receive a confirmation email and a pdf attachment.

Please either print the pdf attachment to bring with you to the Spring Flower Show or have it ready on your smartphone when you arrive at the entrance to the Show to hasten your admittance.

If you have any questions about your ticket, please email bookingenquiries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

• What if I do not have a printer to print off my ticket to bring to the Spring Flower Show?

If you do not have a printer to print off your ticket to bring with you to the Spring Flower Show, please have it ready on your smartphone when you arrive at the entrance to the Show to hasten your admittance.

• Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Yes, you can buy tickets on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April for £12 each. Card payments are preferred but cash is accepted.

On Saturday 5th April, you can also purchase a festival-style weekend pass for £18 on the gate so that you can enjoy two whole days of glorious gardening inspiration at a reduced rate.

• Is the Spring Flower Show for younger members of the family?

Absolutely!

Roots & Shoots will provide a chilled space for young people to create seed bombs, sow sunflowers, take a close look at creepy crawlies and discover the many horticultural educational opportunities that exist in Cornwall, from apprenticeships at Eden to courses at Cornwall College.

In our new Grow Your Own allotment, Amelia Lake from The Real Food Garden will demonstrate how to grow delicious and nutritious fruit and veg, and help us all feel healthier for being closer to nature.

There will be lots of charities to learn from too, whether your young ones are interested in birds, bees, butterflies or trees.

• Do I have to buy tickets for my children to attend the Show?

We offer free admission for children who are under the age of 16 but you still need to order their free tickets when you are purchasing your advance tickets online.

There is a drop-down box on the form where you fill in the number of children’s tickets you require.

• Do you offer any discounts on the ticket price?

With the rising cost of living continuing to impact on everyone, we have made the decision to keep the entry fee as low as we can to make this special day out accessible to as many people as possible.

For that reason, we are offering the same low price to everyone who attends.

This year, we are also offering a festival-style weekend pass for £15 in advance or £18 on the gate on Saturday 5th April so that you can enjoy two whole days of glorious gardening inspiration at a reduced rate.

To discuss group discounts for parties of six or more (who can travel in separate vehicles to the event), please email showcoaches@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

All proceeds from this event support the Cornwall Garden Society’s charitable aims of sharing horticultural knowledge and preserving Cornwall’s rich garden heritage for the future.

• What do I do if I have purchased a ticket and am unable to attend? Do you have a refund policy?

Please email bookingenquiries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk in the first instance. Refunds will only be given at the discretion of the Cornwall Garden Society and are not guaranteed.

• Can I exchange my ticket for another day? Do you have an exchange policy?

Please email bookingenquiries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk in the first instance. Exchanges will only be made at the discretion of the Cornwall Garden Society and are not guaranteed.

Dogs

• Are dogs allowed at the Spring Flower Show?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on short leads are most welcome to join their owners at our Spring Flower Show.

Parking

• Is parking free at the event or is there an additional charge?

Free parking is included in the ticket price for the Spring Flower Show.

• Is disabled parking available at the Spring Flower Show and how do I book it?

Designated parking for our disabled visitors is close to the Show entrance.

We do not operate a booking system for this because there is plenty of space.

On arrival at The Royal Cornwall Showground, please follow the disabled parking signs. A marshal will direct you to the available bays and provide you with any assistance you might need.

If you have a Blue Badge, please ensure that it is clearly visible.

Facilities for Visitors with Limited Mobility

• Will mobility scooters or buggies be available to hire during the Spring Flower Show?

We welcome people of all disabilities to attend our Spring Flower Show and have intentionally chosen The Royal Cornwall Showground to host our event because it is an inclusive, accessible venue.

The facilities that are offered by the venue can be viewed here.

The Cornwall Garden Society and The Royal Cornwall Showground do not provide mobility scooters or buggies for hire during the Spring Flower Show.

However, as the Show site is accessible, we understand from the venue that regular wheelchairs might be sufficient.

• Is disabled parking available at the Spring Flower Show and how do I book it?

Parking for our disabled visitors is close to the Show entrance.

We do not operate a booking system for this because there is plenty of space.

On arrival at The Royal Cornwall Showground, please follow the disabled parking signs. A marshal will direct you to the available bays and provide you with any assistance you might need.

If you have a Blue Badge, please ensure that it is clearly visible.

• Do you offer special rates for carers of the disabled?

With the rising cost of living continuing to impact on everyone, we have made the decision to keep the entry fee as low as we can to make this special day out accessible to as many people as possible.

For that reason, we are offering the same low price to everyone who attends, including carers.

This year, we are also offering a festival-style weekend pass for £15 in advance or £18 on the gate on Saturday 5th April so that you can enjoy two whole days of glorious gardening inspiration at a reduced rate.

To discuss group discounts for parties of six or more (who can travel in separate vehicles to the event), please email showcoaches@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

All proceeds from this event support the Cornwall Garden Society’s charitable aims of sharing horticultural knowledge and preserving Cornwall’s rich garden heritage for the future.

• I would like to listen to the talks in the Tipi but wear a hearing aid. Will I be able to hear?

We have installed a hearing loop in the Tipi to assist showgoers with hearing aids.

Competitive Classes

• How do I enter the Competitive Classes?

The Schedule of Competitive Classes can be downloaded here.

The online entry forms for Horticultural and Floral Art Classes are beneath it.

If you have any further questions, please contact Martina Douie for Horticultural Classes on showentries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk and Pat Knight for Floral Art Classes on 07496 542584.

• Do I have to purchase a ticket to gain entry to the Show if I enter the Competitive Classes?

No. Exhibitors are provided with an Exhibitor’s number, which enables free access to the Show throughout the weekend.

• What is the deadline for entering the Competitive Classes?

The deadline for entering the Horticultural Classes is midnight on Wednesday 26th March.

The deadline for entering the Floral Art Classes is midnight on Friday 21st March.

• Can I enter the Competitive Classes after the deadline?

For late entries in the Competitive Classes, please contact Entries Secretary, Martina Douie via showentries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk who will endeavour to accommodate your entry, providing space is available.

• Who is judging the Competitive Classes?

The list of esteemed judges who are all experts in their respective fields will be published in the Show Programme later this month.

• How do I find out the winners of the Competitive Classes?

A list of winners of the Competitive Classes will be available at the Show Office and the CGS Membership Hub by midday on Saturday 5th April.

• When and where is the Prize-giving for the Competitive Classes?

Our 44 trophies and shields will be awarded to the winners of the Competitive Classes by the Cornwall Garden Society’s President, Charles Williams VMH, at 3pm on the Stage in the Tipi alongside the Exhibition Halls on Sunday 6th April.

Digital Photography Exhibition

• How do I enter photographs for the Digital Photography Exhibition?

All the details are here.

• What is the deadline for entering the Digital Photography Exhibition?

The deadline for emailing your photographs to photography@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk is midnight on Friday 21st March 2025.

Catering

• Will there be catering at the event?

Yes, catering will be provided by Big Pan Parties in our Café Area in the Second Exhibition Hall and refreshments will be served at various points across the Showground.

Further details will be published in the Show Programme later this month.

• Do the caterers at the Spring Flower Show cater for specific dietary requirements and list the ingredients they use?

Big Pan Parties will have food available that is vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free etc.

Dishes and other food items will be clearly labelled as such.

The staff on duty will be able to discuss the specific ingredients used in each dish but this information will not be displayed.

If you would like to get in touch regarding an allergen or dietary requirement ahead of the event, please contact Big Pan Parties via bigpanparties@aol.com or call 07900 577700.

Camping/Accommodation

• Is camping allowed on site?

There are no camping facilities at The Royal Cornwall Showground but there are campsites in the area, which you can view on Tripadvisor.

What’s on at the Show?

• Who is officially opening the Show?

Sir Tim Smit KBE, who restored The Lost Gardens of Heligan and co-founded The Eden Project, will officially open the Show at 10am on Saturday 5th April in the first Exhibition Hall.

• Will I be able to buy plants at the Show?

You bet! There will be 40+ plant nurseries at the Show as part of the 130+ growers, garden traders, charities and artisans who will be selling all sorts of wonderful things during our event.

We even provide a plant crèche where you can leave your purchases, freeing you up to enjoy your day.

• How do I find out which plant nurseries and garden traders are exhibiting at the Show?

The Show Programme will be published on our website in mid-March, which details all the plant nurseries and garden traders that we look forward to welcoming to our Show.

Free copies of the Show Programme will be available at the entrance.

There will also be a QR code on the screens in the Exhibition Halls that you can activate with your smartphone to enable you to view the Show Programme in that way.

• How do I find out who is giving talks and doing demonstrations at the Show?

The Show Programme will be published on our website in mid-March and it will include our schedule of Tipi Talks.

Free copies of the Show Programme will be available at the entrance.

There will also be a QR code on the screens in the Exhibition Halls that you can activate with your smartphone to enable you to view the Show Programme in that way.

The schedule of speakers will be broadcast on the screens in the Exhibition Halls too.

• How much time do I need to set aside in order to enjoy the Show?

Our aim is to provide interesting things for you to enjoy right throughout the day and, to that end, we have scheduled a full programme of talks by national names and local luminaries, and demonstrations to keep you informed and entertained.

In between, you can marvel at the beautiful blooms and gorgeous greenery in the Competitive Classes; purchase plants and gardening accessories from growers and garden traders, and unusual gifts and Cornish crafts from our artisans; make seed bombs, sow seeds and learn how to grow nutritious fruit and veg in our Grow Your Own allotment; enjoy scrumptious street food in our Café area, and treat yourself to Tregothnan tea and delicious cake in our Tipi, where you can relax in comfort, warmed by sheepskin rugs and firepits.

The answer is we have plenty to keep you busy between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and 10am and 4pm on Sunday!

You can even purchase a festival-style weekend pass this year and experience two whole days of glorious gardening inspiration at a reduced rate.

Cornwall Garden Society

• What are the dates for next year’s Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show?

Our 2026 Spring Flower Show will take place at The Royal Cornwall Showground on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April.

• How do I find out more about the Cornwall Garden Society and how to get involved in future Shows?

We look forward to welcoming you to the CGS Membership Hub to share all the benefits of membership and answer any questions you might have.

You can also purchase memberships at the discounted Show price of £20 for an Individual, £13 for a student and £28 for a family of two (instead of the usual £22.50, £15 and £30 respectively).

The CGS is a horticultural and conservation charity that exists for the people of Cornwall, the wider south west and the UK.

Why not join our thriving Cornish gardening community and help us grow?

For more information about the CGS, email membership@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

To pitch an idea for next year’s Show, email showdirector@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

To book a trading pitch at next year’s Show, email trade@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

To volunteer at next year’s Show, email cgsadmin@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

To sponsor or support next year’s Show, email chairman@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

General

• What do I do if I don’t want my photograph to be taken at the Show?

Any person attending our event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution in the Cornwall Garden Society’s publicity should make their wishes known to the photographer and/or the Show Office whilst in attendance at the event.

• What do I do if I injure myself at the Show?

In the event of a minor injury: Find a steward who will accompany you to the First Aid tent or arrange for a First Aider to come and treat you where you are.

In the event of a major injury: Ask someone near you to find a steward who will summons a First Aider and arrange for the Emergency Services to be called.

All stewards will be wearing name badges that identify them as such. Key stewards will also be wearing hi vis jackets.

Please note that the Cornwall Garden Society cannot accept responsibility for loss of or damage to property occurring or any personal injury incurred, howsoever caused, at its Spring Flower Show. Showgoers attend at their own risk.

• Is there a defibrillator at the Show?

Yes. There is a defibrillator in the First Aid tent, which is situated on your right before you enter the Exhibition Halls.

• What do I do in the event of an emergency evacuation at the Show?

There will be a public announcement over the PA system if the Exhibition Halls need to be evacuated.

In the event of an evacuation, please walk calmly out of the building through the nearest Emergency Exit, which are indicated by red arrows on the site map in the centre of the Show Programme, and then make your way to one of the assembly points, indicated by red crosses on the site map.

There will be a public announcement if re-entry to the Exhibition Halls is later permitted.

• What do I do if I lose something or someone at the Show?

If you lose something or someone at the Show, please go to the Show Office or CGS Membership Hub and we will make a public announcement for you.

• Will there be a cashpoint facility at the Show?

No there will not be a cashpoint facility at the Show but traders will accept card payments and cash.

• Does the Spring Flower Show have an environmental policy?

As a horticultural charity that promotes education and conservation, the Cornwall Garden Society aspires to utilise sustainable methods and materials in the staging of its Spring Flower Show.

The Society uses its best endeavours to achieve this and all participants in the Show are encouraged to adopt, or transition towards, a similar stance.

The Royal Horticultural Society and the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Society have banned the use of oasis at all their shows because it cannot be recycled and contains unpleasant substances. The Cornwall Garden Society has therefore banned the use of oasis in all competitive classes at the Spring Flower Show.

• My question isn’t covered here. Who do I ask?

If you have a question that has not been covered here, please email bookingenquiries@cornwallgardensociety.org.uk in the first instance.