I’ve given myself 24 hours to digest what I saw at the Hampton Court Flower Show (#rhshampton) and think I’m ready now to give you my personal perspective on what I liked best. So over the course of the next few posts I’ll give you my verdict on some of my favourite gardens, the common themes I spotted, the plants I coveted and the design details that caught my eye.
The National Auricula & Primula Society – Southern Section was founded in 1876 for enthusiasts who raised and exhibited Auriculas, Gold-Laced polyanthus and other primulas. The Annual Early Primula Show is taking place from 12-15th March at 2.30pm at The Harrison Room, Old Barn Hall, Great Bookham near Leatherhead in Surrey. The website is not up to date but does give contact details. www.southernauriculaprimula.org
Various Brownie Packs created gardens in containers – I thought the Guernsey Brownies entry was a real treat – well made, charming and beautifully planted. I completely failed to photograph the Thai Tourism garden which won Best in Show but I thought these carved watermelons by a Thai Chef were magnificent creations. Tucked away on its own at B104 was Artefacts – a stand with a wonderful collection of extraordinary garden furniture and ornaments. They aren’t cheap but they are totally original. No website but email grahamchild@hotmail.com
Posted in Hampton Court Show 2010
Tagged Flower Show, garden furniture, garden ornaments
The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show takes place from 7th-12th of July (book tickets here). This year a major theme will be ‘Garden Energy’. The RHS has commissioned garden designer Sarah Eberle to design zones that illustrate 100 years of climate change from 1950 to 2050; green energy and environmentally responsible materials for the garden; and sustainable ways to ‘Grow your Own’. As ever, there will be much, much more, with plenty of opportunities to buy anything from a single plant to a greenhouse. Be sure to call by and see the Gabriel Ash stand at C78.
From July 1st – August 31st, Merriments Gardens and Nursery www.merriments.co.uk near Hurst Green in East Sussex (2 minutes off the A21) will have a programme of Summer Events. The gardens were originally established as a display area for the nursery, but are now a destination in their own right. The entrance is inspired by Monet’s ‘Grand Allee’ at Giverny, there are impressive colour-themed borders, large ponds and a wild garden with a bird hide where dozens of bird-feeders attract around 60 different types of wild bird.
The National Gardens Scheme is running two day-long garden tours in July. Three gardens in South Oxfordshire on the 8th (pick up at Earl’s Court Tube at 9am) starting with the stylish Blewbury Manor, moving on to The Filberts in North Moreton (with lunch at the local pub, The Bear at Home) and then the enchanting riverside garden, Evelegh’s at Long Wittenham.
On July 9th (pick up at Victoria Coach Station at 9am) three major Hampshire gardens. This begins with a splendid new garden Hambledon House, then to the superbly planted borders of Bramdean House*, lunching at the Hinton Arms nearby, before heading to the elegant Abbey Cottage at Itchen Abbas.
For information and booking, please contact Janine Wookey, tel: 020 8693 1015/mob: 0771129636. Email: j.wookey@btinternet.com
