Flower Shows

Leonardslee Gardens Closing To Public

John — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:33:18 +0000

The Telegraph reported recently that Leonardslee – one of Britain’s most famous gardens – has been sold and will close to the public.

Famed for its rhododendrons, azaleas and wallabies, the 225 acre in West Sussex has been sold to an unnamed eastern European businessman for around £5million.

The gardens have been in the ownership of the Loder family since 1889 and have been open to the public for more than 100 years.

Its presumed that the Leonardslee Gardens (official website) will remain open until 30th Jun, 2010.

Leonardslee Gardens Closing To Public is a post from: Flower Shows

Cherry Tree Flowers All Year

John — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:31:33 +0000

Spring flowering of cherry trees is a big celebration in Japan with people widely celebrating the arrival of the new season. The celebration is called Hanami and the people of Japan sit under flowering cherry trees and have a party.

But they might be undecided when hearing the news that Japanese scientists have created a new breed of cherry tree that blossom all year. The new tree does not require cold weather to trigger the spring growth. It will bloom all year indoors and in both spring and autumn when planted outdoors.

Personally I think in this instance nature should be left alone and the people of Japan should be able to look forward to their annual festival.

Cherry Tree Flowers All Year is a post from: Flower Shows

Frost Delays Snowdrops

John — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:07:46 +0000

The Telegraph reports that he recent icy and snowy weather has delayed the January snowdrop display. Personally, I think the snowdrop is a lovely flower and we often enjoy a family trip to nearby Ness Gardens (part of Liverpool University) to see theirs.

It’s not surprising that snowdrops are late …how could anything underground move it’s way up through the frozen ground?

Frost Delays Snowdrops is a post from: Flower Shows

Tatton Park Flowershow Dates

John — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:01:41 +0000

This years Tatton Park Flower Show takes place between 22^nd – 26^th July, 2009.

Experience summer in all its glory at Tatton Park in Cheshire. Come along and see the latest innovative creations from up-and-coming garden designers. Fire your imagination with vibrant floral displays and non-stop gardening inspiration. There’s plenty to see and even more to take home with acres of stylish gardening accessories, seasonal plants and a rich crop of ideas to make your garden grow. It’s a great family day out – and don’t forget – kids go free!

Tatton Park Flowershow Dates is a post from: Flower Shows

Hampton Court Flower Show Dates

John — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:05:34 +0000

Now that the Chelsea show has closed for another year it’s time to consider other RHS flower shows. One popular event is the Hampton Court Flower Show - held at Hampton Court this years event is on 7^th – 12^th July. Here’s what the RHS says about the forthcoming show:

Gardening’s best gets down to earth at this year’s show, so be ready to make the most of your garden. There’ll be ideas on how you can grow your own, enjoy healthy outdoor living and much, much more. With something for everyone this summer, join us for a day of home-grown fun the whole family can get stuck into – and don’t forget kids go free!

You can book your tickets right here.

Hampton Court Flower Show Dates is a post from: Flower Shows

James May Shows Plasticine Flowers At Chelsea

John — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:53:22 +0000

The BBC Top Gear presenter has recently swapped playing with cars to playing with Plasticine – it is claimed he made Plasticine flowers for his Chelsea Flower Show display.

Insisting the display is not a spoof (I rather think it is myself), May says that he went to both floristry and modelling classes before designing his “garden”. The model flowers include a:

veg patch
grapevine
palm trees
lawn
rockery
pond

Schoolchildren created the Plasticine daffodils and Chelsea pensioners modelled the poppies. Most of the model flowers and plants consist of a wire structure, covered with Plasticine and the bushes have a base of polystyrene and steel.

It all sounds very fishy to me!

James May Shows Plasticine Flowers At Chelsea is a post from: Flower Shows

Magnolia Plant Under Threat

John — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:43:42 +0000

Magnolia

Magnolias are in danger of dying out according to botanists at Fauna and Flora International. These ancient plants are apparently disappearing due to the destruction of their forest habitats and from exploitation for timber and medicine.

Magnolias evolved before bees appeared and some specimens in Chinese temples are believed to be 800 years old. They take a long time to start flowering and until they are they are not reproducing.

The botanists claim:

112 of the known 245 species are dying out
almost half of all Chinese magnolias are at risk
there are just 50 wild Magnolia sinica trees

You can buy magnolias from quality garden centres and online from retailers like Crocus

Magnolia Plant Under Threat is a post from: Flower Shows

Jekka McVicar Rooftop Herb Garden

John — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:28:03 +0000

Just a quick post to mention that the rooftop herb garden created by award winning gardener Jekka McVicar looks great. McVicar has created a rooftop garden on the roof (wherelse!) of the Trafalgar Hotel in London.

McVicar is an accomplished garden designer and has won 12 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower show. I saw a photo of this design in The Telegraph and it looks great sitting in the shadow of Nelsons Column.

Jekka McVicar Rooftop Herb Garden is a post from: Flower Shows

Queen Cuts Kew Gardens Cake

John — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:52:26 +0000

To celebrate 250 years of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew the Queen was invited to cut the birthday cake. The Telegraph reports that as the Queen struggled to cut through the icing (evidently not Royal – isn’t that soft?) of the palm house shaped fruit cake, her husband the Duke of Edinburgh joked “Press down harder!”

Queen Cuts Kew Gardens Cake is a post from: Flower Shows

Chelsea Flower Show Feels The Crunch

John — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:05:35 +0000

This May’s Chelsea Flower Show is due to feature just 13 show gardens, down from last years record of 22 and lower than the five-year average of 19. It is suggested that several award-winning gardeners have been unable to raise sufficient funds to enter designs after companies including Marks & Spencer and Neal’s Yard decided not to offer sponsorship.

Lloyds Banking Group has also pruned its involvement in the annual flower show although it has still received criticism for sponsoring the event.

The five-day show at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea is laying on more floral displays to make up for the withdrawals, and organisers have predicted that attendances will not be hit. A spokeswoman said:

The RHS has been delivering world- class shows for over 100 years and 2009 will be no exception. Tickets are selling well and we expect to sell out.

Alex Baulkwill, the show’s manager, said:

For many, the Great Pavilion is what Chelsea is all about and 2009 won’t disappoint with old favourites, first-time exhibitors and specialist nurseries creating some 110 floral displays to fill the centrepiece of the show with the sights, smells and vibrant colours that it is renowned for.

Chelsea Flower Show Feels The Crunch is a post from: Flower Shows