It's been and gone.

Yep! It being the Chelsea Flower Show.

So did you actually attend, and endure the crushings of the crowds, or did you watch it on telly?

Well for what it's worth. I watched the odd bit on telly. Yes, the odd bit. It is difficult perhaps to explain, but, having basically grown up in horticulture, my take is this.

More and more, year after year, the show is being dominated by, design. Plants coming second. OK. This year there were more presenters, even our news reader was involved, but. The plants are real, the constructions are real but.....................................the presenters. All these folk popping in and out, blinding us with hand sign language, and saying nowt.

 

Yes Mike.....I am watching recordings of Chelsea
For sure it is “artificial” and money is no object it seems esp for the displays yet I am enjoying the programmes
A few Cornish growers have done well incl Kelnan Plants ......amazing restios, (I have a couple here from them) proteas and other South African Plants ......Burncoose nurseries and others so that has been interesting for me.
New plant introductions always catch my eye that I will be determined to add to my garden

Alas I cannot make Shineyland but it sounds fantastic and I’m sure it will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Maybe next year I can make it