Blossoming flower arranging and more at Malvern
I only got back from Malvern last night! After the programme went out on Friday evening, I stayed on for the weekend to run the design theatre with my sparring partner James Alexander Sinclair, which was great fun, but totally exhausting. The weather was perfect and the show was simply the best ever. If you get the chance to go there, you should take it, because it has a very different feel to any of the other RHS gardening shows.
The spring plants, the friendly atmosphere and the setting at the foot of the Malvern Hills makes it such a great day out and you could see it on all the visitors' faces. Everyone was having fun, which makes my job far easier too. We had designers, growers and flower arrangers up on the stage to share their knowledge and answer questions. You may have all seen my flower arranging which won me a 'highly commended' certificate. Well, it wasn't my first attempt. For the last two years James and I have been doing a 20 minute flower arrangement face-off, whilst being coached by two experienced flower arrangers, Christine and Catherine. I think some of it must have finally sunk in. I was bowled over by all the people who came and asked me how my allotment was going and wished me luck with it. There were plenty of families and more youngsters than usual who seemed to have caught the grow-your-own bug, just like the Swifts. Cathy went to her bro's for the weekend, so I have spent the hot dry week seriously worrying about watering, but will be up there early in the morning to assess the damage. Let's hope it's not too bad! Keep you posted. Joe.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~57~RS~)
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Hi Joe
I really love your blogs, they sound just like you appear very bubbly and full of life.
I enjoy your programs and altho I cant comment with a great deal of knowledge, unlike some of the other contributors to the boards,I think you are doing well with your allotment.Of course your sourcing of freematerials must have been helped by your "fame"but so what good luck to you.
I am also a fan of Carols and of course Monty, so look forward to Gardensers Worls progs.
Ich
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Hi Joe
I keep worrying about all those weeds, on your allotment after your rotovating. I am in my third year and still pulling out nasty things almost daily and I opted not to rotovate. The best advise I was given was if you are not growing anything - cover it up I used degradable plastic sheeting is seems to do a good job and it is breaking down now.
Lots of luck
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I have to agree about the rotovating of weeds. It is the worst possible advice for someone taking on an allotment. I did it ten years ago and am still suffering. The late, great, Geoff Hamilton advise a good dose of weedkiller, arguing that you could still be an organic gardener, only just a little later than planned.
Oh, and sort that front garden out, Joe!
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