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Any advice for first ever visit to RHS Chelsea & GW Live?
somerset steve
Posts: 17
Hi all
Hope you had a successful eclipse watch!
This year is going to be the first time I have managed to get time off work to go to Gardeners world Live and Chelsea.
I am planning to stay the night before in a hotel for Chelsea and make the most of the day. GW Live is within easier reach for me, so will be travelling there on the day... but I'm just wondering what other gardening fans highlights and hints and tips are for these 2 events.
in much appreciation and excitement!
steve
0
Posts
1. Bring bag(s) or you can buy a funky trundle to cart your purchases along. Don't forget they have a plant creche so you can leave your plants and go and buy more.
2. Comfortable footwear, you'll walk miles without realizing until the dogs start barking.
3. Arrive early so you are parked nearer. There are bus stops where you can get a bus to the entrance and back to.
4. Take packed lunch.
For Hampton Court, get there early as parking is on grass opposite Hampton Court.
Really good advise Ed, would like to go to BBC Gardeners world this year.
We had good clear sky this morning in Glos to see the eclipse.
Not going to Gardeners World this year, went last year and also went to Hampton Court. This year I'm going to Harrogate and also planning to go to the Malvern spring show but haven't got tickets for that one yet.
Yes,A good pair of walking shoes,You'll need them.
Have not been to either for a long time but good pair of shoes essential and small umbrella just in case it rains , particularly Chelsea
If the weather is nice and sunny I would go to the Marques first as they get very crowded and hot later in the day - they did when we went
note bk and camera phone , it is ok buy things but remember you have got carry them home !
You could get at one time get an advance programme so you can plan what you really want to see and everything esle
hoping to go to Harrogate this year - I am sure you will have a great day out
Thanks for all the great tips!
I think the weather at Chelsea will dictate show gardens or marquee first but I am hoping to get there first thing ... possibly as soon as it opens (8am?).. and that particular trip is by myself so I only have myself to blame if I cant walk at the end of the day although its a train ride home not driving.
In terms of GW Live its a belated mothers day gift my mum was ill on the day itself so hopefully I will make up for it at the NEC. But we will take it easy at that show so the plan is turn up early... see Carol Klein in the morning theatre event then see where the day takes us.
I like the idea of a picnic amongst the show gardens... and must remember hard cash and notebook and camera! I am not averse to new gadgets and every so often when I see Monty or Carol buying something new in a feature on bbc2 gardeners world I get green with envy and then go off hunting down a plant that isn't in my usual nurseries I frequent! So can't wait to see all that's available!
Definitely on the countdown now ... I can't wait!
Chelsea I found a few years ago was so busy and such a crush even on members days so now we do Hampton Court gala evening and then the next day staying in town overnight.
Never been to GWL so can't comment.
Me and OH have been to Chelsea, Hampton Court and GWL and we thought that GWL was the best out of the three.
Chelsea - get there as early as you can so you can see the show gardens before the crowds arrive. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes in layers as it can get hot. Take a back pack to carry sandwiches and a bottle of water as they are expensive on sight and there are queues. Take a plastic bin bag to open out to sit on the grass for your picnic as there are never enough tables and chairs. Remember sun screen or umbrella depending on the forecast.
People are generally polite and patient about letting everyone have their turn at the front to see the show gardens but you may need to be thick skinned, especially on non members days. Make sure your camera is fully charged and has loads of disk space. Take your time in the floral marquee so you don't miss anything. It is huge. In there you can talk to some of the best growers in the world about how and where to grow particular plants and place orders with them.
Apart from the odd stand selling lily bulbs and seeds in the floral marquee you can't buy plants at Chelsea except on the last day at closing time but there are seed stands and sundries such as garden tools, clothes, pictures, ornaments, art work and so on that you can buy so have some cash and a credit card with you.
Enjoy it. It's a great show with a completely different atmosphere from Tatton, Hampton Court and Malvern. Haven't been to GW live so can't comment on that.