Just wondered if anybody visits gardening shows..?
I went to Harrogate for the first time last year, but prefer Malvern Spring, which I visited the other day.
I also pay a short vist to GWLive as it's about 40 mins up the road from me, and I get tickets through Tescos Clubcard points.
I occasionally do Hampton Court & Chelsea with a local Coach Company when money allows.
But I really like plant fairs, and more local plant & seed swap events.
I'm finding the village show style events are becoming quite rare around here.
Any other 'show' visitors?
I tend to go to Harrogate Spring & Autumn shows plus Tatton Park every year.
I haven't decided yet if I will go to the Chatsworth's first show this year but I will certainly be going to Tatton as I think this is one of the best shows around.
I usually take a lot of pictures at these shows as many A4A readers know, if you are interested to can see them here:
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Indexes/Gallery.htm (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Indexes/Gallery.htm)
I used to go a lot, but then I worked at the shows building gardens. Now I might pop in to one if a friend is showing or building, that is better for me as I can go on preview days when the show is still closed to the public. Usually ends up with me getting my hands dirty though.
I have over the years shown at very many shows including national shows but it is a thing that is dying out. I still grow daffodils (95 vars) and sweet peas but give most of the flowers away.
Chatsworth is 11 miles away but guessing what the traffic will be like and not like to be in huge crowds I will be on the allotment. The big shows are so commercial.