http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/ en Copyright 2009 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:54:42 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss I enjoy a quick foray into the National Plant Societies Marquee as there are always a wealth of unusual things on offer that aren't available from the large nurseries. This year the displays put on by all the plant societies of the North West are especially good, with a wide range of plants available, everything from Brugmansia, Agapanthus and succulents to carnivorous Sarracenia. Where some shows have a small table devoted to each one, at Tatton they do things differently, grouping all the plants together to make displays of mixed plant types from all the different exhibitors. The effect is a great display which really relates to everyday gardens, and shows that anyone can be a national collection holder and still have an interesting and varied garden. For me the best part of the marquee was the stall, manned by groups from across the north of England and featured a wonderful mixture of different perennials, vegetables and houseplants all grown by the members themselves. Each plant was lovingly grown and labelled, and sold with the helpful advice of the person that propagated it. The effect was like a giant garden fete and certainly offered something for everyone. I was in my element buying far too many plants. Oh well at least I'll be able to take some cuttings and bring some plants back for them to sell next year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/paradise_for_the_plant_enthusi.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/paradise_for_the_plant_enthusi.html Tom Sumner Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:34:38 +0000 I'm never quite sure what to make of the floristry tents at shows, the displays are always fantastic but I'm not sure quite what the average person can take away from them. Tatton is no exception, this year the tent is dominated by an enormous display of giant bamboo canes each supporting a tropical arrangement. This 'Bamboo Forest' is all the work of the Welsh College of Horticulture, (the team that brought us the giant ball of flowers at last year's show). Once again their display was awarded gold, and I have to admit that it was very striking so I could see why. While nobody is going to create an arrangement on anything like this scale at home, there were some nice plant combinations of orchids and exotic foliage that would look great on anyone's dining table. While wandering through the display my eyes were also drawn to a large exhibit created by North Warwickshire and Hinckley College that has been inspired by the planets of the solar system. Very apt considering it was only a few days ago, that we were all celebrating the anniversary of the first moon landings. Each of the planets were created in different colours, with red anthuriums for Mars and equisetum strands for the rings of Saturn. At the centre of the display the Sun was created with a stream of exotic orange and yellow arum and some kangaroo paw cascading down like flares radiating out from the centre. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/close_encounters_of_the_floral.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/close_encounters_of_the_floral.html Tom Sumner Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:28:11 +0000 At Tatton this year, colour themed planting schemes where the tones of the planting pick up the colours painted on the fencing or hard landscaping are all the rage. One of the best is the fiery red scheme of 'Red Rhythm' designed by Lee Belgrau and Reaseheath College, a design where the scarlet tones of the crocosmia, dahlia and helenium, complement the red paint used in the hard landscaping. If you prefer things a bit paler then the yellow theme, used by Phillipa Probert in her office courtyard entitled 'Revolution'. This would be a welcome retreat for any office worker, taking time out from the stresses of work to relax among the pastel plantings of white agapanthus and pale yellow anthemis. Sticking with the single colour theme, the bright orange colours of 'Lose the Shoes' are the perfect antidote to a grey day (and today was very grey). Here, designer Bernie Quinn has carefully woven together bright orange crocosmia, geum and dark flowered Cosmos atrosanguineus, the perfect complement to the vibrant orange walls. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/colours_of_tatton.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/colours_of_tatton.html Tom Sumner Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:40:36 +0000 In the last few months, the recession has really helped the idea of growing your own take off, as everyone starts to realise just how much cash you can save by cultivating your own crops. This is all well and good for people in the country with large gardens, or even those lucky enough to have a small plot in the city, but what do you do if you only have a balcony or large windowsill? This is a problem the RHS have tackled at Hampton with a whole range of displays showing you how to grow in a very restricted space. Some of the ideas go a bit far, containers made from old lampshades and hard hats aren't to everyone's taste and are unlikely to catch on, but hidden among the more wacky ideas, were some handy pots for growing lettuce and seeds made from old fruit juice cartons and boxes. Being made of waxed paper, these make perfect pots and can look surprisingly good when stacked together. If you only have a windowsill this is an easy and inexpensive way to get into gardening. On another balcony, the designers have created a makeshift hanging mini -propagator from an old lemonade bottle with a hole cut in the side. This allows small pots to be placed inside so that they get a bit of protection as they grow. It's certainly something I'll be trying next year to get my seedlings through the cold nights of spring. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/practical_perfection.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/practical_perfection.html Tom Sumner Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:32:20 +0000 For me flower shows are all about the plants. I always wander around looking for what's new and unusual, what's in fashion and most importantly what's a bargain. There is always much deliberation before I make a purchase. What do I have room for in my garden? Will the plants I'm admiring really grow in the dry shady spot that needs filling in the corner? I put my hands up, after all this thinking I nearly always go with an impulse buy. This year is was salvias. Not the gaudy red ones you see in park bedding schemes but the more refined shrubby perennial ones. I've found these to be surprisingly hardy and they provide a subtle display of flowers right through the summer without much effort from me. They are definitely a plant that deserves wider popularity, and are clearly in fashion this year as different varieties including the vibrant red and white Salvia 'Hot lips' and magenta 'Pink Blush' were present on a number of the stands. I bought a couple from Wall End Nursery, Salvia greggi 'Desert Blaze' with variegated foliage and scarlet flowers and 'Raspberry Royale' a compact variety with reddish pink flowers. Both of them will look great in my sheltered borders, where they can fill in the spaces left by early flowering perennials. After that things really went down hill and I succumbed to buying another Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'. For the past five years I've bought one of these from Hampton, telling myself that I'm going to bring it into the house early and really treasure it. Sadly each year I forget and it is killed off by the cold weather. Fingers crossed this time I'll remember. I wonder if they'll do a discount if I order 12 months in advance? http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/salvias_and_impulse_buys.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/salvias_and_impulse_buys.html Tom Sumner Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:08:18 +0000 A few weeks ago the RHS put a call out to women around the country to donate their bras. Not for any sort of unusual mulch or even anything kinky, but to turn them into recycled containers for plants. Now that the show has arrived we can see some of the 'hanging braskets' in action (their pun not mine). I was sceptical about the idea at first, but it has to be said that some of them make surprisingly good containers, provided of course that the lady who donated her undergarment was fairly well endowed. Much has been made of the historical feel to the show this year, and references to Henry VIII are everywhere. While I'm not sure the display is something he would have chosen for his front lawn, I think he would have approved, he was fond of the odd buxom wench or two after all. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/let_it_all_hang_out.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/07/let_it_all_hang_out.html Tom Sumner Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:30:18 +0000 Chelsea is always full of surprises and this year is no exception. A lot has been made of the fact that there are fewer show gardens than in previous years because of the credit crunch, but that doesn't mean the show won't be good. Looking at what the RHS has planned, there are still plenty of exciting exhibits and the showground is brimming with different features. In many ways this will make for an even better show, as the exhibitors and designers have really had to think creatively about how to make the most of the plants and resources they have. I can't wait. Roll on show time! http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/04/a_show_full_of_suprises.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2009/04/a_show_full_of_suprises.html Tom Sumner Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:22:05 +0000 Many people have commented that the trade stands at this year's shows have been every bit as good as some of the gardens themselves, and at Tatton I have to agree. Many of the gardens created outside some of the nursery stands were exquisite and beautifully done. I was particularly impressed with the display outside Brooklands nursery stand, which featured a swathe of perennials in a range of pastel colours. It was just the thing to entice visitors into the stand to buy plants (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). I try to resist buying things, but I always like to take home something from the flower shows I work at, and in the end I chose a Dierama. I purchased a large plant from the plant societies marquee, which was accompanied by plenty of useful advice from the grower. Hopefully it will do well in a sunny free-draining spot I have in my new garden. I got at lot of attention as I walked back to our tent with it, I don't think I've had so many admiring glances in a long while. If you're ever at a flower show and want to get attract attention, forget waving a coloured umbrella and choose a large Dierama instead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/getting_noticed.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/getting_noticed.html Tom Sumner Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:00:49 +0000 Floral bedding is always something that divides gardeners; they either love it or hate it. There seems to be no half measure. While I wouldn't do it in my own garden I have to admit I think it looks great at Tatton and the 'Conwy Butterflies' created by Conwy County Borough Council display made of marigolds and sempervivum is a worthy winner of the RHS/ Ball Colegrave National Flower Bed Competition. The displays are always of a very high standard and there are many that stand out for me including the helicopter in the Cheltenham in Bloom display (Silver) and the cyclists on the Bury Borough Council display. There is even a 'Yellow Submarine' (Silver) courtesy of Vale Royal Borough Council, perfectly placed for suitable accompaniment from the bandstand. Many of the displays have interesting stories behind them and a large tank created out of plants was one that stuck out for me. It's been created by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in honour of Fred Kite, a resident of their borough. It commemorates the two military medals he was awarded while serving with the Royal Tank Regiment in North Africa. A fitting tribute, and certainly an explosion of colour. I've been trying to persuade my colleague Louise to love the flower beds without much success although she did admit that she liked the penguins in the 'Chill Out' display. The RHS are launching Britain's Best Flower Bed Competition for the nation's best flowerbed to rival those at Tatton. The competition is open to any team or individuals working on public bedding displays around the country. If you think you have what it takes, make sure you take a picture of your flowerbed before August 31 and find out how you can enter at the RHS Britain in Bloom site. The winner will have the chance to compete in the National Flower Bed Competition at Tatton 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/floral_bedding_is_always_somet.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/floral_bedding_is_always_somet.html Tom Sumner Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:49:31 +0000 Children are always very inventive and their imaginations know no boundaries especially when it comes to gardening. As Joe Swift mentioned earlier, the Children's Quirky Container Competition was a great example of this. Schools across the Cheshire area have submitted an amazing range of interesting and unusual containers to be judged by visitors to the show. I had a look through and was really surprised by how good they were, from small scale exhibits like the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, entered by Bexton Primary School, Knutsford to a large scale container made from a Piano. Created by Park Royal School, Macclesfield, this was entitled Keys to Health and Happiness! (get it!) It looked spectacular although I can't help wondering what the music teacher thought? There is one container that I know will particularly appeal to my colleague Louise. St Anne's Fulshaw, Church of England School created a chest shaped container overflowing with bright nasturtiums and other bedding plants, entitled Ooh Arrgh Pirate's Treasure (She's from Cornwall you know). The RHS are very keen to encourage children to get into gardening and are actively campaigning for it to be added to the school curriculum, with young minds as inventive as this, it can only be a good thing. Also as part of the Tatton tenth anniversary celebrations Children under 15 get into the show free this year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/something_for_the_children.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/something_for_the_children.html Tom Sumner Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:51:28 +0000 Show gardens at flower shows are always very subjective, the judges are looking for one thing, the gardening press another, and very often the public are just looking for something they can recreate in their own garden. All too often they don't agree on which should be the winner. At Tatton Chris Beardshaw's garden, 'Cheshire's Year of Gardens 08', pleased all three and it's easy to see why it was awarded the Best in Show title. Recreating a classic english country house garden with bold herbaceous borders on both sides was a sure fire winner. I loved the predominantly pastel planting and highlights of gold added by the Catalpa at the end. I'm told there are subtle elements from at least 12 Cheshire gardens incorporated into the design, including the famous double borders at Arley Hall. If you're visiting the show and you know your Cheshire gardens see if you can spot them. According to my colleague Louise I have 'Boy tastes'when it comes to gardens and some of the other designs i liked typified this. The 'East Meets West' garden (Gold) was created by combining the traditional elements of a relaxing Japanese Zen garden with a contemporary seating area and blocky water feature. Angular water features were in evidence in several other gardens i liked, including the 'Adlington Relax and Reflect Garden'(Silver-Gilt), with white walls, red containers and interesting grassy planing scheme and 'Always There' (Silver-Gilt) a garden created to promote the work of the Samaritans. This was just my cup of tea, with green the predominant colour and plants chosen to complement perfectly the stonework and rusted steel used within the design. The judges awarded just two gold medals and four silver gilt at Tatton this year and I'd completely agree with their decision. A number of gardens featured heavy stonework waterfalls including 'Go with the Flow' (Silver), My Little Piece of the Lakes (Bronze) and Natural Distinction (Silver-gilt) and I think all of them could have done with a bit more planting to soften the hard landscaping. Elsewhere 'Real Life by Brett' (Silver-gilt) brought the traditional northern back garden into the 21st century and was definitely drawing interest from the crowds. 'Hot Dry Days' (Bronze) took a more Mediterranean approach and showed how we can adapt our gardens to the changing climate. Who knows, if the weather continues to be as hot and sunny here as it has been this week maybe bananas will soon catch on in Manchester? http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/show_garden_winners.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/show_garden_winners.html Tom Sumner Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:49:01 +0000 The sun is shining and it's smiles all round as the exhibitors savour the moment and their awards. I'll be talking more about that later, but in the meantime I thought you'd all be interested to see how Sue Beesley and Bob Tridgett's garden, Inspired by Great Dixter, turned out. The lush sub-tropical planting makes a bold statement in the showground and the banana in the centre provides some welcome shade, which we can certainly deal with today! You can definitely see the Great Dixter influences in the planting and the judges thought so too, awarding the garden a Silver-Gilt medal. Well done both of you it's good to see you've put your Gardener of the Year Skills to good use. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/great_dixter_comes_to_tatton.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/great_dixter_comes_to_tatton.html Tom Sumner Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:52:52 +0000 The sound of voices filled the floral marquee this morning as the exhibitors setting up their stands, were treated to a wonderful performance from the ladies of the Weaver Valley WI Choir. They were there to launch their rose 'Jam and Jerusalem', a delightful apricot coloured bloom that was bread by Fryers roses to celebrate the Cheshire Year of the Garden. I'm no connoisseur of choral music myself (apart the odd trip to Mum's choral concert) but they sounded pretty good to me as they spurred on the nearby exhibitors with a rousing chorus of Jerusalem. As an added bonus they also were also giving out scones and slices of cake, the perfect treat for a day at the show. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/hitting_the_right_note.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/hitting_the_right_note.html Tom Sumner Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:41:18 +0000 Well Tatton's nearly here and I have to admit to being quite excited. It's one of my favourite shows because despite the fact it's a large show, it still retains a very friendly, intimate feel, which is just like a local show. This is probably helped by the people of Cheshire who always extend a warm welcome to all visitors. The weather is heating up nicely and I'm hopeful that it'll be a really good show with some cracking exhibits. I'm particularly looking forward to the back to back gardens as they are always of the highest quality and offer plenty of ideas that I can try out myself in my own garden. There's a lot excitement on the gardening message boards at the moment as well because Sue Beesley, a regular board member is designing a garden. It will be really interesting to see how it turns out as it's inspired by the amazing gardens at Great Dixter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/looking_forward_to_a_warm_welc.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/looking_forward_to_a_warm_welc.html Tom Sumner Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:59:46 +0000 The results of the first ever Hampton Court Palace Scarecrow competition were announced on Sunday and here is a list of the deserving winners. 1st Place 'Catherine Howard - The Ghost of Hampton Court!' Claygate Primary School 2nd Place 'Mrs Metal' Newnham Infant and Nursery School 3rd Place 'Joe Bay-Leaf' Great Kingshill Church of England Combined The winners were picked by visitors to the show, it can't have been an easy choice, the entries were ingenious! http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/and_the_winners_are.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/and_the_winners_are.html Tom Sumner Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:10:48 +0000 Naked lady anyone? I'm not talking about Colchicums or even autumn crocuses but the unusual coloured silhouette sculptures that have been catching my eye on the way to the press tent every morning. They look strangely at home in this flamboyant setting but I think I might get a few raised eye brows if I took one home! These are just some of the huge array of inventive garden focal points at Hampton this year. Many of you have commented on the high standard of the trade stands and how they are almost merging into gardens themselves. I have to agree, they put the extra space they are given at the show to great use and some of the most inventive displays are from the sculpture exhibitors. This year the variety is huge, I've even seen a performing skeleton in bronze on one of the stands. For those with larger gardens and budgets to match, there's whole safari park of animals on offer. Near life-size metal giraffes will add a certain air of sophistication charging across the front lawn provided you don't live in a South London semi. And for those who were thinking of a water feature you can even get an elephant that spurts water from it's trunk in regular bursts. Sadly for me I don't have the room for any of these things, and usually opt for a striking plant to form a centrepiece. I guess I'll have to stick to something more suitable for a small garden, has anyone seen any gnomes? http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/sculptural_safari_park.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/sculptural_safari_park.html Tom Sumner Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:50:14 +0000 The first port of call for all fashionistas should be the Floral Art marquee, which this year is themed around 'Followers of Fashion'. All the displays have a fashion theme and there are some really unusual exhibits including floral spectacles and hats that you wouldn't normally associate with flower arranging. Chairman Tina Wallis from NAFAS Surrey Area talked me through the displays. "This year our theme is fashion because we wanted something to catch the publics attention. We have 9 classes, all of which express an aspect of fashion or a theme relating to it." "One the most striking classes is the group classes, in which each exhibit represents a different fashion icon from Elsa Schiaparelli to Jean Paul Gaultier each one is created by two people from our different Surrey groups." "I've given a special chairman's award this year to an exhibit in this class inspired by Vivienne Westwood. It's really clever, when you look closely it's made of thin layers of seaweed like you use when you're making sushi. I think it's wonderful the way they've created the design on the skirt, it's such a bold exhibit you can't miss it." While we're on the subject, it's very difficult to be fashionable around the showground with all this mud and rain, wellies and plastic ponchos are certainly the order of the day. I have spotted more than one visitor wearing a pair of white shoes and feel very smug stamping around in my work boots. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/floral_fashions.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/floral_fashions.html Tom Sumner Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:38:09 +0000 The enthusiasm and friendliness of the show-going public always amazes me. Due to transport problems I ended up getting on a train that was packed to the scuppers with flower show visitors. Normally packed trains aren't my cup of tea but this was a refreshing change. Everyone was friendly and chatting together, sharing their tips and talking about the plants that they were going to buy and how they were going to get them home. If only all journeys to work were as much fun. Continuing the transport theme, today I've been admiring the Inspiring spaces container displays alongside the Long Water, which this year include a small car filled with plants. The exhibit entitled 'British Racing Green' features a small car filled with plants is this the 'green transport' of the future? Somehow I don't think it will catch on, but it's clever nevertheless. There are plenty of ideas in this small area that you can use at home, and the striking colour combinations give you plenty to think about. I particularly like the warm tones of the Best in show exhibit, 'Lazy Days of Summer' from Pound farms, featuring dark leaved pelargoniums, coleus and Ipomea lobata. Brilliant for brightening up a dull spot. 'Home and Dry' from Creative Containers was another one that I liked, although that's probably because of the giant agave in the centre which I'm coveting for my own garden. Again it features ideas for people with gardens in drier areas of the country. Slightly ironic really given how much rain we've had this week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/trains_planes_and_gardening_en.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/trains_planes_and_gardening_en.html Tom Sumner Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:19:03 +0000 It's a bit like Glastonbury here today, with a pair of Wellingtons the definite 'must have' item. There's still plenty of people flocking to the show and the famous British wartime sprit is really kicking in with everyone determined to enjoy themselves despite the weather. I have to confess I needed something to lift my spirits when I arrived this morning, but a short walk into the marquee gave me plenty to get me enthused for a busy day at the show. In one corner a display of bright Disa orchids in a range of almost luminous reds and pinks is a complete show-stopper that really sticks out and grabs your attention. I've never tried growing this type of orchid but looking at the stand I'm definitely going to have to try. Also in the marquee the bold displays of Dahlias from the National Collection exhibited by Winchester Growers and the giant begonias from Blackmore and Langdon, cleverly placed either side of the entrance together with a wonderful stand of perennials from Hardy's Cottage Garden plants was a great piece of planning to entice visitors in. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/disa_orchids_lift_my_spirts.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/disa_orchids_lift_my_spirts.html Tom Sumner Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:46:11 +0000 This year the swans on the Long Water in front of the palace will be sharing their usually peaceful setting with a Thai Floating Market. According to the organisers this is the first time that a floating market has been staged outside of Thailand and the 15 boats that will be selling to show visitors have been flown in especially. This was always going to be a challenge, especially today as the wind was doing it's best to blow the intrepid sellers off course. The market will be here all week, so if you're coming to the show make sure you stop off at the Long water to sample the ambience of Thai music and culture as well as the authentic Thai gifts that they have to offer. While we're on the subject of Thai, at lunchtime I had the pleasure of sampling some authentic Thai cuisine at the launch of the growing tastes section of the show. As I said in my blog earlier this was an area that I've been looking forward to seeing. It certainly doesn't disappoint. The attractive design highlights the amazing range of fruit and vegetables that are now available to grow in the UK and also shows that vegetable gardens can be every bit as beautiful as those filled with flowers. The display features crops from different areas of the world and in the marquee next door there are some the countries top chefs on hand to tell you what to do with your produce once you've grown it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/anyone_for_thai.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/anyone_for_thai.html Tom Sumner Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:23:01 +0000 There are just a few hours left now until the judging begins and as the garden designers finish tweaking their displays and wait anxiously, I took the opportunity to catch up with Sadie Stowell designer of Branching Out with Copella - The Apple Juice Garden, a first-time exhibitor who's been putting the finishing touches to her garden for a while. "This is the first garden I've ever designed not just my first for Hampton and it's been a great experience. I feel like I've really grown as a designer and I've learnt a huge amount. It's been a real rollercoaster but I'm really pleased with the final results, it's turned out exactly how I wanted it to be. "The planting is themed on the colours of the different fruit juices, and when I put the plants together for the first time I wasn't sure about the scheme but now it's all in the garden I really like it, it's quite bold and definitely sticks out against the other gardens. The planting features three reclaimed apple trees at the back which I rescued personally from an old orchard." Hampton has been a great experience and the whole team have really enjoyed it. If you asked me to do it again tomorrow I definitely would" http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/first_time_fun.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/first_time_fun.html Tom Sumner Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:00:37 +0000 Preparations on site continue frantically today, despite the mixed weather, as everyone hurries towards the finishing post. After a bright start the weather has deteriorated a bit today and I took refuge in the floral marquees in an attempt to get out of the wind and rain. The marquee's are always busy on Sunday as everyone unpacks but this year they seem to be extra busy as many of the exhibitors have come down a day early to beat the low-emission rules that apply to London during the week. Take note please Boris! While there I chatted to Tony Devine of Devine nurseries who was busy arranging his dazzling display of chrysanthemums. "Coming from the Hull area last year was a complete wash out for us with much of our stock was damaged in the bad weather. "Thankfully this year it's been much better and we've managed to create good display of both Chrysanthemums and also gladioli, which have really enjoyed the conditions in May and June. "We hope that by coming here we'll be able to make up some of the losses that we suffered during the floods." Another exhibitor I chatted to (or rather I interrupted his well-earned tea break) was Aubrey Baker of Hopley's Plants. Their display of perennials reflects the changing way that we use plants in our back gardens now. "Our display is divided in two with one half representing a cottagey display with lots of plants in pastel colours and the other something more modern with lots of grasses, bright perennials and contemporary materials. One plant that we're showcasing in the modern section is a new Heuchera 'Georgia Peach' with very bright pinkish red foliage, we're hoping that will be popular with gardeners because it makes a bold statement in the border." One thing that really struck me was that the floral marquee's offer something for everyone. Whether you've got a large garden or just a windowsill for a houseplant, there is something for you, all despatched with friendly advice. I'll be chatting to some of the other exhibitors over the week so if there's anything you'd like to hear more about let me know. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/its_busy_in_the_marquee.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/its_busy_in_the_marquee.html Tom Sumner Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:26:22 +0000 I came across this unusual concrete structure as I walked across the showground the other day. It was painted black and all wrapped up in plastic. Slits in the side revealed the contents to be millions of lettuce seedlings and at first I thought it was an attempt to create the world's largest propagator. However on closer inspection I realised that was actually one of the conceptual gardens, entitled 'Ecstasy in a Very Black Box' and inspired by Bipolar disorder. Chatting with creator Tony Smith, he explained to me what the design is all about; "The black walls represent the dark lows that many people with the condition experience and the lettuce in the centre represent the peaks the brilliance and euphoria that they go through. We've used all different textures of black on the garden from glossy Tarmac and sandblasted concrete; we've even painted the surrounding grass black to represent the fact that the condition affects everybody slightly differently." "The reason that the installation is wrapped up is not to protect the lettuce but the walls! They were becoming covered in dust with all the windy weather we've been having and we need to keep them clean. "I've been allowed three weeks on site to get the exhibit ready as that's how long it takes the lettuce (which are sow in-situ) to grow." If anything the plastic has been a nuisance as all the hot weather we've been having made the lettuce start of damp off and we had to make holes in it for ventilation." This is a really unusual design and it's bound to get people at the show talking. I'm really excited to see how it turns out on Monday, when the wrapping finally comes off and the giant present is revealed to the World. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/art_or_propagator.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/07/art_or_propagator.html Tom Sumner Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:02:59 +0000 It doesn't seem five minutes since the end of Chelsea and now the Hampton Court Palace Flower show is just over a week away. One thing that I'm really looking forward to this year is the Growing Tastes Marquee, a new feature at the show this year that aims to show us what we can do with all our home grown produce. By then I should have plenty of courgettes and tomatoes on my plants at home so hopefully I can get some ideas on what to do with them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/06/veg_take_the_stage.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/06/veg_take_the_stage.html Tom Sumner Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:16:23 +0000 Over the past week our home has been a small cabin on the edge of the showground, it may not sound that salubrious and it's certainly not very trendy, but it's as close as I'm ever going to get to a Chelsea riverside home and just look at the wonderful view of Chelsea Bridge from our door. It's our last day at the show and I have to admit to feeling a bit sad this morning, as once the sell off is over we'll all be going our separate ways. The wonderful thing about Chelsea team spirit, the way everyone rallies around each other during busy periods and crises (and we've had a few of those). Louise and I usually work on general gardening coverage, so the chance to work on an outside broadcast at Chelsea was something we jumped at. The excitement of working on an outside broadcast is like nothing I've experienced anywhere else in the BBC it's tremendous fun, the team are really supportive and their passion and commitment to the coverage, is a great inspiration. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/home_from_home.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/home_from_home.html Tom Sumner Sat, 24 May 2008 08:53:04 +0000 Today everyone's busy in the BBC compound as it's People's day on TV which means all the camera teams are out in response to your Ask Alan queries. After a week of beautiful sunshine at the show, the weather finally looks like it might break today, with a grey and cloudy start. But this isn't going to dampen the spirits of the visitors who are already pouring in, in their thousands. The Chelsea site seems to expand and contract according to the time of day. At its busiest, when all the main thoroughfares are filled with people it seems enormous, but last thing at night, (I was here until past midnight yesterday) it seems more like a very well-kept garden. That late at night it even comes with its very own, large and slightly scary dog that frightened the living daylights out of me, as I handed the keys to the security guard on my way out. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/power_to_the_people.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/power_to_the_people.html Tom Sumner Fri, 23 May 2008 08:44:01 +0000 My family often accuse me of being grumpy in the mornings, and arriving here at 6am today was no exception. But today any bad moods were soon forgotten. Going for a first look round the Great Pavilion, with no one else except the plants for company is a very special and privileged experience. At this time in the morning as the dawn light just peeks through the gaps in the Pavilion roof, there's nothing quite like the wonderful scent of different plants and flowers drifting on the moisture-laden air. Yesterday, Owen Gay our executive producer described the BBC Chelsea team as like big family, and I completely agree. Especially as while I'm doing my first walk around the ground, mum (in this case the catering van) has got the kettle on and the breakfast cooking ready for my return. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/early_morning_musings.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/early_morning_musings.html Tom Sumner Mon, 19 May 2008 06:22:07 +0000 After weeks of waiting we're finally here down at the showground and the online cabin is up and running. It's great to be down here working alongside the exhibitors and designers because their enthusiasm is infectious. Many of the larger show gardens are now really taking shape with whole sections of planting in place and the first rounds of intensive 'tweaking' starting to take place. All around the showground dedicated plantsmen and women are making sure that every plant is looking its best. The transformation is most noticeable in the Great Pavilion, which is now a colourful sea of plants and exhibitors and the air is heavy with scent of hundreds of delicate blooms. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/setting_up_on_site.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/setting_up_on_site.html Tom Sumner Sat, 17 May 2008 14:12:35 +0000 Down at the showground it's a hive of activity, we may be busy in the office, but it's certainly just as busy in the ground of the Royal Hospital. I've had a chat with one of our OB directors John Smith who's come back from site after two hectic days of site 'recces' down at the showground. "It's still a giant building site down there at the moment, some of the gardens are starting to take shape and some of the larger plants are going in. There's a lot happening but the sun is shining and everyone's in good spirits." Looking at this picture of Clare Agnew's Reflective garden (so far), you can see what he means. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/taking_shape.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/taking_shape.html Tom Sumner Thu, 08 May 2008 12:34:47 +0000 With just a few weeks to go now until the show, everything in the Chelsea office is in full swing. Lots of articles are being written for the site and the feeling of excitement grows as each one comes into the office. This is a stressful time for everyone involved with the flower show, both production staff and garden designers alike. We all want to get the best for the visitors and viewers and trying to get early pictures and detailed planting information ahead of the show can be a tricky business. The deadlines for plant delivery and filming schedules seem to change by the hour at the moment. It's a complicated juggling act for all of us, as we try to get films and pictures ready for the show while the designers and exhibitors are still working their horticultural magic. As if the stress of launching the BBC Chelsea Flower Show site wasn't enough, I also moved house last weekend and have spent the week desperately trying to sort out my new garden. Fingers crossed this weather will hold for show week! http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/gearing_up_for_chelsea_1.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/flowershows/2008/05/gearing_up_for_chelsea_1.html Tom Sumner Tue, 06 May 2008 16:20:13 +0000