Although we live reasonably close to Harrogate, it's years since we went to the Harrogate Flower Show. We used to regularly visit Gardeners' World Live but then became a bit bored as the shows started to be repetitive and diversified so much that lots of the stands weren't even gardening related.
The show gardens at GWL annoyed me as the designs were made up of things that wouldn't usually flower at the same time or thrive long term in the same conditions. Then to top it all they used Sambucus Niger as an edging plnat in a bedding scheme. As this grows into a large bush in its first year, it just all seemed like cheating! I wanted to be inspired by a show garden and be able to do something similar in my own garden not just see a picture painted with plants. Something that couldn't be replicated in a real garden.
Anyway this year we decided to buy tickets for Harrogate and chose to visit on the first day Thursday. As it turned out Thursday wasn't the ideal day weather wise for a Flower Show and if we hadn't bought tickets we probably would have decided to stay at home and wait to see whether Friday was a better option. (As Friday was drier it would probably have been a good move but then again maybe it would have been busier).
The car was parked in a muddy field but fortunately we had our walking boots to prevent soggy feet. I noticed others hadn't! Buses were laid on to ferry visitors from the car parks to the actual show area.
As we arrived at the show the rain had a temporary ceasefire so we used this opportunity to have a walk around outside. Here too were small show gardens. These are shown in the photo album in order of achievement.
Click on the album to view the larger size photos. Our boots proved invaluable again as it was very muddy all around the show gardens.
The rain held off long enough for us to have a look around and then we made it into the flower marquee to view the indoor displays. I'm afraid some of the colour in the photographs and focus isn't as good as I would have liked as the indoor marquees were quite dark and gloomy.
We didn't actually buy anything - it's always disappointing that the plants on display are often not available to buy - but we did take the names of a couple of nurseries that we will most probably visit.
We also had the chance to check on a couple of details about he summerhouse that we have on order, as one just like it (except for the colour) was on display. Now Martyn feels fairly confident that it will fit in the allocated spot!
Martyn also filmed some video of the show which has been posted here.
PS Tomorrow is the last day for entering the herb competition and so far no-one has managed to correctly identify all the herbs!
Posts
Our weather has also been what we call "Wimbledon weather" i.e. tipping it down!
ReplyDeleteI remember once going to the Hampton Court flower show in similar conditions. It wasn't very pleasant. I was annoyed by the same things that you mention too. These things develop into simply money-making opportunities for the organisers rather than being genuinely devoted to gardeners. I remember being horrified by the extortionate parking charges. Most of the show gardens at all these events are impractical and can't really be intended as suggestions for the average man-in-the-street. If you have loads of money, gardening is easy - when something dies, chuck it out and buy three more! (and/ or pay someone to do it for you!
P.S. I'm not entering your herb comp this time because it wouldn't be fair to win twice in a row would it? Tee-hee! :-)
What lovely pictures, I especially love the one of the Acers. As you can tell from my blog they are one of my favorite plants. Would like to go to a gardening show one day, considering I don't live that far from Chelsea it's surprising I've never been.
ReplyDeleteThe acers were beautiful Liz. I always used to think that I'd like to visit Chelsea but I wonder how close you can get to things when there are bound to be huge crowds of people. I'm not a crowd loving person!
DeleteHi Sue, just got back from Harrogate today, it was a great weekend despite the poor weather. Didn't make it to the flower show cause we already had a full agenda with the couple we went with. Stayed at Studdley hotel went for a slap up Italian meal and then went on to see The Hound Of The Baskerville at the theatre. Hope you enjoyed as much as we did
ReplyDeleteWe only really stayed for about three hours Cpt but it made a change.
DeleteWhat a shame the weather was poor for your visit, Sue. It could have been worse, you could have had tickets for today, isn't it awful? I like the look of a couple of those show gardens. I'm looking forward to watching Chelsea on the tv. Joe Swift is doing a garden this year, I'm looking forward to seeing how he does after all the design slots he gets on Gardeners World.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is wet today, Jo no let up. I wonder whether it will be topped off ny the gales that are promised!
DeleteI sometimes think you get a better view of things on TV but must admit Joe Swift and his garden design feature on GW leaves me somewhat bemused.
What a shame about the weather, but at least its giving the reservoirs some much needed top up. Looks like you had a good day though!
ReplyDeleteGaz: Alternative Eden
I suppose we did need the water Gaz. At least we got our timing right and also it kept the crowd down a bit
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the show - good job it wasn't today it has been more like winter with the rain and gales. I don't bother going to shows as they are always so crowded but I do watch a bit on tv - but as you say it all seems a bit false and not very achievable.
ReplyDeleteWe seemed to have missed the gales Elaine. Thank goodness. At least our blossom has a reprieve. The reason we chose Thursday was we thought there would be less of a crowd. Dread to think what it was like at the weekend both crowd wise and quagmire wise
DeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteLuckily you had the boots to cover your feet! ;)
Yes, Malar it was a toss up as to whether we took walking boots or wellies. I did see quite a few who would have soggy feet when they got home!
DeletePity the weather wasn't great for you but at least you got a day out, and you did have the sense to wear boots!! I think I would probably have worn my wellies! :-). Some of the show gardens do look great....now all I have to do is win the lottery if I ever want my garden to look like any of these..lol
ReplyDeleteThat's how we looked at it too, Tanya - we saw everything that we wanted to.
DeleteDrat, that seems to have passed me by .... perhaps if you're going next year you could give me a nudge a few weeks in advance and we can meet up for a cuppa?
ReplyDeleteThat would be good BW - we were thinking of trying the autumn show but I think it clashed with a holiday!
Delete