Cumbrian delights

Holker show is one of the first that we ever did so we like to do this one. The weather has been pretty poor and knowing what it can be like in the lakes the waterproofs and wellies were at the ready. As it turned out all the dismal reports from the weather reports turned out to be a bit of a damp squib. Yes it was wet but it wasn't 'don't go out or you will regret it' as they were having it. For the three days of the show it was a bit nippy but not too wet. We were happy with our large Gold and yet again managed to come away without any sticky toffee pudding. The stalls that sell hot food were probably the best place to be and I can recommend a bacon roll to set you up for the day.
The plant sales were fair and we were glad we were not at a show down south or in Wales as we would have seen trays of plants go sailing past on a tidal wave.
We come home to a lawn a foot high practically and no chance of doing anything about it as it was a quick turn around and off again.

Chelsea Part 2, or the unglamorous side

One of the worst parts of doing the shows is the taking it down. Given we took our time and spent three days putting it together, working out what should go where and then moving it a nano breath to the right or whatever the snipping off the branches and gathering up moss that is worth saving can be back braking work. Then there is the lottery of when the trucks can come on the site and where will we get parked. After we put the last piece in the van and shut the doors it was nearly 10pm and the most pressing thought was will we get back in time to have something to eat in a local little restaurant. As luck would have it we fell through the door and a sympathetic waitress brought several beers with a "had a busy day then?" After a plate full of pasta and pudding and complementary nightcap we staggered home to fall asleep within minutes only to wake up with the feeling of I know what an anaconda feels like when it has eaten a sheep. Where were those rennies?...

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!