At the Flower Show
Though the Chelsea Flower Show is the grand opening act of the season, there follows a great number of similar, if smaller, events around the country. In some years I’ve found myself assessing tradestands at another RHS show at Hampton Court, but this year, that location was changed to a new one, not so far from here at the Badminton Estate, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.
The show was the topic of conversation everywhere around here and in the supermarket, the swimming pool and amongst my friends, it seemed that everyone had got their tickets and were planning to be there. We’ve been enduring a heatwave over the last couple of weeks however, and I’ll admit to wondering how we’d fare in such high temperatures. On Tuesday afternoon, the day before the show opened, I decided to head over there for a bit of a preview.
Though the show gardens were all ready, bar any small finishing touches, the trade stands had left it a little later to get their acts together it seemed.
It was interesting and quite a privilege to wander around on my own, even wearing nylon hi-vis and “proper” shoes as the rules specify!
That was especially so in the Floral Pavilion, where the growers had done a fabulous job and everything was looking pristine.
There’s always such attention to detail and the care taken to ensure every single leaf is in place is incredible.
Everything looked incredibly fresh and I hoped the weather wouldn’t prove too great a challenge. These blooms will need to look good for several days yet.
Just as at Chelsea, it’s remarkable how these growers can have everything come to their peak at just the right time. Our peonies were over several weeks ago and yet these are absolutely gorgeous, aren’t they?
How lovely too, to have some at eye level and close enough to admire.
Back out on the park, I didn’t envy those still to arrive and set up, for this late in the afternoon the heat had really built up and I was ready for a cup of tea!
There was, however, one garden I wanted to see before the crowds came in, for I knew it would be very popular indeed. The Archers is a long running radio series, listened to by many of us and in celebration of its 75th anniversary, a garden had been created in its honour. What a treat to have a little preview!
Best of all was the village notice board with adverts for the Village Fete, the Flower and Produce show and for a lost cat. All entirely fictitious of course, but for those of us who listen, very much part of the story.
Having enjoyed my sneaky preview, it was time to head home. I took note of these wonderful old trees, some of which had been cordoned off to protect them during set up. Such deep shade would be welcomed by visitors to the show during the coming days, I felt sure.
Join me at the show in the next post!
