Seems like Chelsea hasn't improved over the years Nanny Beach. It must be well over 20 years since we went, also on RHS members day, any you could barely move way back then. Almost no chance of getting anywhere near the Show Gardens, and you needed to take out a mortgage if you wanted anything to eat or drink. I'll stick with Malvern as most of the other major shows are too far afield.
KT - they've limited numbers since then but it still pays to get there early to see the gardens without the crowds and get it all done by 3:30. I take sandwiches and a bottle of water but generally buy a traditional Pimms to enjoy with friends I meet there.
The high viz guys are there when a garden is being filmed and they need access for cameras and presenters. Easy enough to avoid or you can watch if you like celebs.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Chelsea is very crowded, but I find that with persistence, you can get a good view of the show gardens, and particularly of the smaller gardens. I hate crowds, but I do love to go to Chelsea every 2 or 3 years. To be standing 10 feet from someone like Chris Beardshaw's planting, gives an impression you just can't get on the tele.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
True and I find that on members' days people are far more ready to move along and let people in to the front to see. People like CB happy to chat too.
Far more argy bargy on public days. Did it once, 2013 cos I went with my group of scientists. I was in a wheelchair after having my 2nd new foot. Some people were seriously unpleasant about it. Never again.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I’m on my way to Cardiff! I almost didn’t go as Jane tendinitis in my foot. But life’s too short so I’ve iced it & popped an ibuprofen! Remembered my bags (except the black one to sit down on) didn’t hand time to make a picnic, forgot to charge my phone! Nevertheless I’m excited for my first visit. Thanks for all the advice.
Thanks Anni. I was pretty restrained but couldn’t resist a trolley which doubles as a seat when even a black bag wouldn’t have kept your rear dry! Plus a Winter Beauty clematis, a Jardin A’dou Brunnera and some agapanthus feed! It was small & there weren’t many show gardens, but perfect for a fu St show (& for my foot today). Already excited about the next one.
There is a new show at Ascot racecourse this weekend. I believe all the good traders are there, plus the usual array of show gardens etc. So if the weather bucks up & you are in the area it might be worth a look. I only heard about it as Capel Manor have a stand there, as do several of the other colleges. I have no connection otherwise.
Used to be close to use but now we are in Wales so bit too far for this weekend. Let us know how it is, if you go. Also apologies for my terrible typos today - rushing and smart phones do not make for sensible reading!
Hope you enjoyed Cardiff @Montyfangirl I am gutted can't go this year. I always get my scented Pelargoniums there. Oh well, might have to do an online order instead.
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I'll stick with Malvern as most of the other major shows are too far afield.
The high viz guys are there when a garden is being filmed and they need access for cameras and presenters. Easy enough to avoid or you can watch if you like celebs.
I hate crowds, but I do love to go to Chelsea every 2 or 3 years.
To be standing 10 feet from someone like Chris Beardshaw's planting, gives an impression you just can't get on the tele.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Far more argy bargy on public days. Did it once, 2013 cos I went with my group of scientists. I was in a wheelchair after having my 2nd new foot. Some people were seriously unpleasant about it. Never again.
I am gutted can't go this year. I always get my scented Pelargoniums there. Oh well, might have to do an online order instead.