Posted by maggi

Thursday 30th July 2009

Category: gardenersclick

A Grand Day Out

Yesterday quite a number of Clickers had a day out at the Sandringham Flower Show, and what good day it was too. Lots to do and see and, of course, friends to meet, many for the first time in person. I tried to snap as many as possible but inevitably missed some. Notably Henrybenrycat and his lovely wife Pamela because we were talking so much.

I had set off about a quarter to eight. It was rather dull and dreary but at least dry. As you may have gathered by now, I am the eternal optimist and was certain that it would brighten up. Mind you, even as an eternal optimist I have the sense to take a brolly, the waterproof cape that makes me feel like a Dalek in a pacamac and my gardening clogs incase it was muddy. Oh and a fleece and a pashmina - just in case you understand. My optimism was well founded as it happens and as I drove through the lush and verdant countryside the skies did indeed clear and I arrived in sunshine. It obviously hadn't been raining so the clogs and fleece stayed in the car being the heavier and bulkier items.

I had parked quite a long way from the entrance - almost a 10 minute walk so I pleased not to be carrying more than I had to. I was surprised by the size of the show and the numbers of stands. In the end I don't think that I went round them all and I didn't catch any of the events going on in the main arena. Sadly I have lost my programme so I can't even tell you what they were. I also missed two of the main marquees because there were long queues.

The atmosphere was terrific. Everyone was happy and friendly enjoying a very British family day out. As I walked up the hil there was a roped off section dotted with police. There was a space at the rope so I decided to wait for Prince Charles and Camilla to arrive. People were chatting to strangers in a most un English fashion and laughing and joking with our nearby Constable. In due course the carriage arrived, everyone was clapping, lots of cameras were clicking (mine included of course) and the couple looked so relaxed and happy and clearly pleased to be there.

In some ways it was like going back in time to village garden parties when I was a little girl but with a touch of sophistication thrown in. There was the steam fun fair the centrepiece being the all time favourite galloping horses carousel, swing boats, Punch and Judy (which I for one have always hated), candy floss and popcorn. In direct contrast there were the show gardens, 6 large and 6 courtyard, and the flower marquees. Inside the marquees there was again that lovely mix. Various nurseries had splendid exhibits- Peter Beales Roses had a lovely display, the roses scenting at least half the area. Alongside these professionals ran the produce show with plates of onions and runner beans, baskets of raspberries and redcurrants etc. redolent of all village shows. Great fun. There were bands to entertain us, a choice of baguettes, pizzas, burgers and so on to feed us and loads of stalls keen to relieve us of our cash. There were clothes, crafts and jewellery, household things, shoes, gloves and handbags to name but a few. And, of course, plants. Loads of choice from lots of possibly quite small nurseries with some very good deals to be had. I don't know how I was so restrained - I only bought one plant! Actually, I do know why - it was the thought of that 10 minute walk back to the car and no one to help me carry them, otherwise there would have been 5 Heuchera for £10 and other such bargains. I did get Hydrangea arborescens 'Anabelle' which I have been looking for for ages for £5. I was a happy bunny.

But the highlight of the day for me was meeting some friends from Gardeners Click. Chris and his family, Terry and his wife, Drew and some of the team, Adrian, Mouse, Andy and family, Dylan (Rod) and Jill, Louise, PhilD and Val, Henrybenrycat (David) and Pamela. I didn't see JanieB as far as I know but I gather she was there too. I hope I've not missed anyone, sincere apologies if I have. (The list is roughly in the order that I met people). GC had a lovely stand and I think there was quite a bit of interest though there were a few ' ooh no I don't 'ave no truck with them computer things'!

I left around half past three and I just started to rain a bit as I walked back to the car. Perfect timing. At that point it didn't amount to much but I ran into rain later on and you can see what I found when I got home! And it got worse, the water level rose at least another 2 inches and was just a whisker from coming in the back door before the rain mercifully stopped. It had rained here all day and Perry was expecting me to arrive home a drowned rat. I was glad of the clogs in the car, my best flip flops would have been ruined which may have spoiled my 'grand day out'.

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