A showy garden

A first ever visit to the Chelsea Flower Show. I had always resisted going as I felt I would be struck down with the most virulent form of garden envy known to window box owners if I found the perfect plant, planting scheme, design or tree. I could just see myself falling to the ground in the middle of the Grand Pavilion frothing and wailing and generally making a novice gardener’s disgrace of myself. So I vowed not to go until I had somewhere to vent all the gardening passion and tips that I might glean.

And now after a good few hours trudge around garden paradise it’s time for the photo essay with accompanying minor print. Was it all it was hyped to be? Yes and no. Yes for the sheer size and amount of plant per square inch. But the crowds. So challenging just to get your body in front of any show gardens and after a few hours one had enough. It was like being at the opening of a major art exhibition where you only have time to read the caption and catch a glimpse before being shoved ever so politely on. Thank goodness the television covereage was so extensive. Twas the only way to actually see half the stuff at the show.

The revelation was that there was so much tat there as well. Garden ornaments of the tackiest shape and size seemed to sit most happily next to tractors, fake flower stalls, umbrella manufacturers, seed companies, water features, flower painters and garden furniture. Jan and I tended to zip past those in a desperate bid to actually see some of the gardens before the hoards descended. (We did get there early.) Couldn’t see the courtyard gardens for the crush. And even some of the show gardens were so thronged you barely had time to absorb more than a glimpse.

The show gardens were actually smaller than I thought from television. But being there live did mean that you could marvel at the exquisitely perfect planting. I am afraid I developed a rather strong manifestation of lupin crush. Kept seeing these gorgeous beauties everywhere we looked. And now that I have downloaded the pictures all I seem to have are sixteen separate pictures of Lupins. Plus box balls and stipa and shots of winning flower arrangements. Not much to show for the visual assault of the senses. But there you go.

Dairmud Gavin’s garden was arresting if only because he created some things that I yearn to do in our courtyard at home. Hence the many photos. But a lot of gardens were just stunning but left me rather unmoved. I think I understood them. But didn’t want to rip out everything at home and start again.

Inside the flower pavilion was much more fun and accessible. You could even get within breathing distance of many things. And meet the lovely people at Knoll Gardens. (Or if you are interested in growing ornamental grasses) How many little packets of wonders have I ordered from this small company this past year? I dread to think. But they were friendly and helpful and we are going off to their garden in Dorset next week.

Loved the floral displays. And of course the fruit in the strawberry stand was a marvel. You could smell the strawberries even over the overpowering lily and sweet pea displays. Found the rose pavilions a bit – well, small. Which demonstrates just how poor my judgement is. Small and perfectly formed is more than enough for most people. Must stop being fussy.

There were more vegetable plots on display at Chelsea too. And these were educational as well as pretty. Lots of ideas of herb combining to bring back to our large and rangy beds. I may even be tempted to plant a bay tree. I had always found the bay tree as a standard in a pot so naff.