greentapestry : 'Fatal Attraction'

Friday 26 March 2010

'Fatal Attraction'



What else could prise me away from my greenhouse in the first few days of May but a flower show and to be more precise the Malvern Spring Gardening Show. I have been fortunate enough to visit all the major flower shows over the years. There was the excitement of Chelsea, where our garden club entered the amateur hanging basket and window box competition for gardening clubs and came away with a silver gilt medal. Then Hampton Court on a most sultry summer's day, when we must have beaten the world record for eating ice cream and my friend's clematis seemed to grow about a foot, between her buying it in the morning and us getting home very late at night. Then there's the local show at Tatton Park, where my most vivid memory of the very first show was the uncomfortable journey there with my legs crossed, when a normal half an hour or so journey developed into a three hour endurance test.

Out of all the shows Malvern remains my favourite and the one that we have returned to several times over what must be the last fifteen years or so. Why is my favourite? There are several reasons for this including its glorious setting, excellent car parking facilities, the fact that although it is busy the crowds never seem overwhelming and its most friendly welcoming atmosphere. It has none of the pretentiousness of some of its other counterparts. You can see a glimpse of the showground from above in the photo below. We went for a walk in the Malvern hills last September and were able to peer down at the site from our lofty perch ~



Remember that if you can't make the show in May there is another equally enjoyable show in September, celebrating autumn which this year will be held from 25th -26th September. Further information can be found here.

The most heart skippy time of the day for me is the visit to the plant marquee which I usually make a beeline for as soon as I get to the showground. Here is spring captured in a gigantic tent with all its magic, colour and scent. There is also the opportunity to buy new plants grown by real plant lovers ~ impossible to resist. Then there is the expertise of the specialist societies, impressive show gardens, the open gardening section where amateurs compete against each other as well talks and demonstrations to fit in into one whirl of a day.



I have already had a peek at some of the nurseries who will be attending here over at the Three Counties website. The website also gives information about some of the other events and attractions which will be taking place during the show. There is plenty to keep non gardeners occupied too - himself is quite happy to while away some time doing his own thing. As well as the show itself we enjoy staying in the area and exploring local attractions. We usually round up proceedings by treating ourselves to a most delicious Chinese takeaway from nearby Upton on Severn.

This year though the icing on the cake is going to be the opportunity to meet more of my fellow bloggers and put faces to names - actually in some cases I don't know people's real names :) If you are reading this and have not yet decided about Malvern it is not too late to join in the fun. The enthusiastic and industrious Patient Gardener and VP have so kindly put a great programme together which you can see over at Meet@Malvern. Looking forward to meeting you all in May and for those who are too far away to make the trip, I am sure that there will be lots of blog posts on all the gossip and goings on at Malvern.

14 comments:

  1. Fantastic post Anna with lots of info for everyone - a veritable Meet @ Malvern blog in one post!

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  2. Thanks for this post Anna - I've always wanted to visit the Malvern show, it is, as you say, in such a lovely setting. Shame it's so far away from us - perhaps a weekend away beckons?

    Jeanne x

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  3. Reading about your trips to Malvern makes it even more delicious, we are slobbering all over the laptop with anticipation. Can't wait to meet you all and see the show, the Chinese sounds great too. :-)

    Frances

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  4. A wonderful post~~I love that first photo.... Did you say plant marquee! Oh my I shall avert my eyes and pretend that no flowers are on sale;-) I can't wait to meet you Anna! gail

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  5. Fabby post. Himself is definately good at entertaining himself if I remember correctly last year you ended up with a new greenhouse - I wasnt at all jealous!! Looking forward to seeing you in May

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  6. I am so jealous! Looking forward already to all of the fun posts that will come from this meet up! I so enjoyed this post Anna! What beautiful countryside!

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  7. How I wish there were garden shows like that around here. Someday maybe I'll get to visit one of the great British shows.

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  8. That must be a great garden show; it does sound very interesting and I’m sure that I would enjoy it there.
    We have here one big garden show in April. For the past 4 years it rained every time on those days. They should move it to May.

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  9. How I wish I could go to this, Anna! I am so jealous of Gail and Frances who are planning the trip all the way from Tennessee. I'll be reading all your blog posts about what sounds like a wonderful time.

    I do love garden shows, too. Funny, but I attended a workshop today on landscape design sponsored by the local Master Gardeners, and the speaker raved about the shows at Chelsea. I think the UK is far ahead of the US in gardening expertise and creativity:)

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  10. Ooooh, I would so love to be there with all of you. It has been 4 years since I was last in England, I miss it, I think I need a fix!

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  11. Hi Anna

    I so wish I could get to Malvern. Sadly not possible as its a very busy time for me.

    I'm going to have a look at the nurseries etc. through the link.

    cheers

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  12. I am looking forward to visiting this year. After years visiting Chelsea and Hampton Court this will be a change - with good views as a bonus! See you there.

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  13. It sounds like it's going to be a wonderful day. I hope the weather is good for you.

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All your comments are much appreciated and treasured. I wil try to reply to everyone who leaves a comment, but it may take me a few days, especially when I start spending more time in the garden and at the lottie. I know that you will understand :) I am sure that I will also visit your blog if I have not already done so. If you have any specific questions I will either reply to them here or you can email me at : thegreentapestry@gmail.com

Namasté

- Anna.