Gardening Update: Palace of flowers

THE THIRD flower show at Hampton Court Palace opens on Thursday and lasts until Sunday. It is a stunning setting, with the entrance via a temporary bridge thrown over the Long Water. There will be 34 show gardens and eight floral marquees, one of which contains the British Rose Festival. The show is open daily from 10am-7.30pm (6.30pm on Sunday). Admission pounds 12. There is a discount of pounds 2 if you arrive by British Rail, which is sponsoring the show. Tickets available at the gate, in advance from many BR stations, or from Ticketmaster (071-379 4444). There are a few tickets available ( pounds 18) for the Royal Preview and press day on Wednesday, but these must be bought in advance.