England’s gardens are always a feast for the senses, but this year they are blooming in more ways than ever, with a host of exhibitions, sculpture trails and other events – plus some of Europe’s most popular flower shows are eagerly awaited. Here are some of the 2005 highlights.

- Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset, an Edwardian formal garden designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jekyll, is just over 100 years old. It opens a new £1.5 million visitor centre, housing a restaurant, exhibition gallery, gift shop and plant centre, in early April. A conference looking at the relationship between Italian and English gardens is being organised with Bristol University and the Garden History Society and will run from June 17-19. Website: www.hestercombegardens.com

- The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its largest flower shows, at Hampton Court Palace on the outskirts of London (July 5-10) and Tatton Park in Cheshire. North-West England (July 20-24). With 50 display gardens, Hampton Court is the world’s largest show of its kind, while Tatton displays a more youthful flair, showcasing upcoming talent and innovative design. Tickets for both shows are now on sale. Website: www.rhs.org.uk

- Borde Hill Garden, dating from the early 1900s at Haywards Heath in Sussex, is marking the 40th anniversary of its public opening with a new Sculpture Trail (May 1-31). It features some 60 sculptures in metals and wood, set against the garden’s dazzling springtime backdrop of azaleas and rhododendrons, and the artworks are for sale. Website: www.bordehill.co.uk

- High Beeches woodland and water gardens, on the High Weald of Sussex, is extending its opening to six days a week (March 18 – October 31). Especially worth visiting during bluebell time (early May); azalea time (late May/early June); and to see the Giant Scarecrows made by local children (June 4 for two weeks) and the Heavy Horses at work on the meadow (August 21). Website: www.highbeeches.com.

- The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London will stage its most ambitious festival ever. "Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew" (May 27 – January 16, 2006) will present visitors with a series of spectacular installations throughout the garden landscape and great glasshouses. It is glass sculpture on an unrivalled scale and in rich colours. Website: www.kew.org.uk