Chelsea Gold part 1

There is no place like Chelsea Flower Show that's for sure. We took our time and set up over three days, making sure that all the plants on display were in pristine condition. This was our first time here and we were aiming to put on a good display. Awards are given on Tuesday morning and Monday is given over to press and visits from HRH Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family in the evening and celebrities during the day. We have received hundreds of complimentary comments on the stand from visitors which is very rewarding and makes the hard work worth it. Very early on Tuesday a phone call to come in for some filming gave us hope that we had been awarded a good medal. There it was gleaming gold and a media frenzy (well for us anyway) continued all day. One of our plants entered into the Plant of the Year was shortlisted to the final 20 which was a bonus. Have a look on the website - Tillandsia Samanatha, www.every-picture.com see what you think.

Malvern highlights

First two days of the show was soggy as previously reported but at last the sun came out and dried the ground. The weekend was much better for visitors and after a very tiring set up, not least caused by also having to get the van repaired (Three cheers for the RAC by the way!) was also brightened by getting another Gold Medal award. Having the display set up also gave us the opportunity to work out final details for Chelsea and for any improvements in the lay out. Packing up the stand on Sunday was done quite carefully to prevent damage to the plants on the trip home. Plenty still to do though and endless list making before we set off for London.

and more wet

And onto Malvern for the Spring flower show. Not a good start, having trouble with the van, hope it will be fixed tomorrow. Might as well concentrate on getting set up and hope the parts come. The ground is very muddy and could be a good training ground for would be Glastonbury revellers. Malvern is usually a good show though and has something for everyone. When I get chance I like to look at all the stalls outside the halls for all the latest gadgets and usually buy plants too. Something tells me wellies should be a sound investment.

Drought, what drought?

The show started wet, continued wet and ended wet,windy and cold. You might think that the show would be disappointing but visitors to the show are made of hardy stock and undeterred duly arrived, suitably clad in hats, waterproofs and wellies. The last day ended early as the weather reports were not looking good but surprisingly it turned out to be the best day for sales! Our stand was inside and we hoped that the visitors would make it back to their cars with plants intact. By the time we had packed up the downpour had settled into a drizzle and the wind dropped. We drove past a lot of very full rivers though and fingers crossed for Malvern. Just be prepared and take your waders..www.rhs.org.uk/FlowerShows2012

Harrogate Flower show

After a busy week up and down the country we mounted the display for Harrogate and with some welcome help from a colleague managed to get done in time. Very pleased that we were awarded a Gold medal and hope to continue in the same vein for the rest of the season. Always trying to improve and make it visualy exciting. The stand usually attracts attention and seems to inspire others to replicate and try to display their plants in a way they would naturally grow too.
Come along to the show, it is open until Sunday see www.flowershow.org.uk  for details and see our stand and say hello!

Out and about

Preparing for a big demonstration at a club in London. I have a big stage and will be performing on St George's day. I have designs in mind but there are no dragons in it! Straight after the demonstration I have the unenviable task of driving north to set up for the Harrogate show. The spring show should be popular and I hope to do well there. I have some new plants I am trying out in the design and will have some for sales. For those who like Bromeliads I hope you will like them. The Harrogate show is open from 26-29th April. www.flowershow.org.uk

First show of 2012

The first show of the season is always the one where you forget something, usually not anything too awful and it is the one where you get organised by the end of it. So in preparation for Chelsea we have come down to London for the RHS Great London Plant Fair 2 day show today and tomorrow (10/11 April) to try out new designs. Must be doing something right as we were awarded a Gold. Some nice comments too by the visitors and the judges so hopefully we are on the right track. The plants are looking in good condition so extra care will be taken for the journey home. Next on the list is Harrogate spring show 26th - 29th April so look for us there and come and say hello!