This formal bed at Hampton Court in London is framed with an ancient wisteria vine. Mass plantings of different plants are beautiful when done right. Look at the color palette used here. Photos by Doug Oster

The palace at Hampton Court is probably best known as the home of King Henry the VIII and his many wives.

It's expansive and the gardens are spectacular.

There were so many inspirational ideas from the plantings, I don't know where to start.

Check out the photos below to see interesting combinations and uses for the garden.

The most striking bed might have been these lily flowering tulips blooming with forget me nots. This gardener took a chance that both would be in bloom at the same time. It was amazing in person.

Ever see a 200 yard long arbor of golden rain tree? These two women our on the tour too and were trying to get out of the way of the Doug the photographer. We both had a laugh about it as they walked by.

'Queen of the Night' tulips blooming with woodland phlox. This tulip is a favorite in England. I've seen it everywhere from Westminster Abbey to the Chelsea Flower Show.

What palace would be complete without a long bed of perennials, all in bloom together.

White is the new black ... or at least in Ann Taylor's case it is. 

The store debuts today its new limited-edition collection of white summer apparel and rose gold accessories created in collaboration with actress Kate Hudson, a charitable ambassador for the brand. 

The collection channels the chicness and elegance of red carpet fashion and transforms it into looks appropriate for everyday living. Shop the collection in stores or online at www.anntaylor.com.

Check out more looks from the collection below (photos courtesy of Ann Taylor) ...

Yesterday my group headed for the Chelsea Flower Show, but before we went in, the Yinzers posed for a shot with their Terrible Towel!

It's the Steeler's Nation across the pond.

I was spellbound by Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing.' Check out the picture below, I hope I can find seeds for this plant.

Today we're visiting the gardens of Hampton Court.

The airy white flowers of Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' against it's purple stems made my heart flutter.

The B&Q Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden was designed by Prince Harry and others. The garden is a tribute to his mother Princess Diana and is intended to educate visitors the 'Forgotten Kingdom' of Lesotho in southern Africa. Photos by Doug Oster

I'd always dreamed of seeing the Chelsea Flower Show. It's the Super Bowl of garden shows. I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the scope and size of the centennial show.

There are 15 show gardens which take three hectic weeks to construct. Acres of vendors selling everything you could possibly imagine to make a gardener happy.

There were many amazing sculptures on display at the show.

Tiny artisan gardens dot the edge of the perimeter of the show. There are more gardens around the Great Pavilion and even though my group was there on members day, the crowds were crushing. Often times they would be five deep standing in front of a garden. They are polite though. After a couple minutes a person would leave the front, providing room for another until you would finally be standing in front of a beautifully designed garden.

I fell in love with Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' or cowparsley. It's airy white flowers are set off by purple stems. It was used in most of the gardens in the show. I hope I can find seeds.

Even though all the outdoor gardens were spectacular, the exhibits in the Great Pavilion took my breath away.

Imagine any plant you ever thought about growing displayed in its prime. Each vendor has a specialty, whether it's bulbs or lavender with an exhibit massed with their plant of choice.

Gardeners can take a look and buy the seeds, plants, bulbs or tubers on the spot.

It's probably the most incredible thing I've every seen.

I'll be posting more about my experiences there in the next few days. One thing I'll never forget was a display of six foot tall delphiniums towering over the biggest begonia blooms I'd ever witnessed.

This mass of giant delphiniums towering of huge begonia blooms was one of the first things I saw after entering the Great Pavilion.

The East Village Garden was one of the spectacular Show Gardens.

Don't let anyone tell you the English don't have a sense of humor.