Maybe next year they have already announced 12-14th April for the second one. It's difficult as the organisers will want lots of people to make it pay, but being relatively quiet this time was lovely for us as we could get round & see everything easily. I think you would have to compare it more to the shows at Wisley rather than Chelsea or Hampton court which are huge by comparison.
I see Peter Seabrook is very complimentary about the Ascot Show in an article for another website. He makes some very interesting comments about the good treatment of the nursery exhibitors.
Ok. so Malvern looks like it is out due to various challenges. So I'm looking for any suggestions for shows, plants sales etc in a 2 hour drive from Swansea within the next 4 weeks please. Thanks.
so I have not managed to get to one show since Cardiff - dates clash for most of them and then blooming jury duty came up. The only dates that are now looking like there are no significant clashes are Malvern Autumn and Southport. What is Southport like? I'm not sure? Thanks
How good's your geography? Southport is getting on for 5 hours from Swansea!
If you're going to see gardens and design ideas you need to go to one of the RHS spring and summer shows. If you're going primarily to buy plants and maybe talk to nurserymen and women about plant care and optimal planting places then Malvern is good at either end of the season and just over 2 hours away if you get a clear run.
I really like the Southport Flower Show - it's my local show though so I may be biased (I volunteer every year too!) . It's not as big as Tatton but I would say it's a similar size to Malvern. We get all the big names - Monty Don is opening it this year http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk
My husband works very nearby so easy to get there & stay overnight so def not out if the question if worth it. Can you buy & plant out still in Sept if I go to Malvern?
My local show Spring and Autumn is Harrogate. Not really for show gardens but lots of nurseries in the two floral pavilions and a good range of stuff to buy outside plus Craft Hall,Food Hall,competitions for growers and florists etc Been to Chelsea got there as doors opened so managed to see show gardens before it got manic. Been to Tatton lovely day out and there's Tatton Park house and gardens too though extra cost. Went to Gardeners World Live a couple of years ago. Again good day out plus Good Food show alongside. Haven't been to Chatsworth but friend said it was fantastic this year partly because weather was good and also because they'd sorted out some of the issues like access and parking from the first year. My gardening pal and I are planning for Hampton Court next year and to do Kew Gardens,Richmond Park etc while we're "down south".
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If you're going to see gardens and design ideas you need to go to one of the RHS spring and summer shows. If you're going primarily to buy plants and maybe talk to nurserymen and women about plant care and optimal planting places then Malvern is good at either end of the season and just over 2 hours away if you get a clear run.
There is also an RHS show at Cardiff in April so look out for next year's dates - https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-cardiff
http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk
year
Been to Chelsea got there as doors opened so managed to see show gardens before it got manic. Been to Tatton lovely day out and there's Tatton Park house and gardens too though extra cost. Went to Gardeners World Live a couple of years ago. Again good day out plus Good Food show alongside. Haven't been to Chatsworth but friend said it was fantastic this year partly because weather was good and also because they'd sorted out some of the issues like access and parking from the first year. My gardening pal and I are planning for Hampton Court next year and to do Kew Gardens,Richmond Park etc while we're "down south".