Allotments 4 All

Went to the spring show yesterday at the NEC,had a great day saw lots of celebs and lots of beautiful gardens.

The Birmingham Allotment Association had done a copy of Jose allotment.
Not very impressive.I was surprised they had agreed to do this as to me it was totally unimaginative and we can all see it on the telly every week.
I was sad to see that the best they could come up with was a copy of someone Else's.

I think they've done it because it is featured on Gardener's World and is it Gardener's World Live, i.e. see it in the flesh.

I think that Joe's had alot of bad press about his allotment. I hope I don't get shouted down about what I do on my allotment (when I eventually get one, sigh) as much as Joe has with the things that he's done on his. After all, it's a learning curve for us all.

Jo.

I think I like to feel I am learning from the programme,not watching someone make the same mistakes as I do. :)

Quote from: betula on June 14, 2008, 20:06:28
I think I like to feel I am learning from the programme,not watching someone make the same mistakes as I do. :)

But, with all due respect, we're not all experienced gardeners. Some of us haven't got an allotment yet, so haven't made any mistakes for ourselves.

I don't know if you know, but Joe now has a blog, which can be seen here:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/gardenersworld/joeswift/2008/04/my_first_blog.html

I feel quite sorry for the chap, having to defend himself for choices he's made, and after all, I believe that gardening is all about making our own choices.

I think that Gardeners World is quite brave in showing a new allotmenteer, who hasn't got a clue about growing vegetables, making his own choices. I don't think the programme is saying "do it this way" or "do it that way". I think they're just showing someone taking on a new allotment. Time will tell if his way was right or wrong FOR HIM. I think we all have our own choices to make.

Jo.

Your not Joe are you Jo,if you are I did not mean it really ;D

Quote from: betula on June 14, 2008, 20:36:44
Your not Joe are you Jo,if you are I did not mean it really ;D

;D ;D ;D If I was, I'd have an E on the end of my name  ;D ;D ;D

Jo. (without the E  ;D)

Forgot to ask Betula, apart from Joe's allotment, what did you think to the rest of the show?

I really fancy going to GW Live. It seems like it's a more 'people friendly' show than Chelsea.

Jo.

Yes it was great.The floral marquee was wonderful,so many different varieties of plants,the plant swap,good fun,the good food show in a separate hall ,saw Gordan Ramsey,he was very funny.Lots of free samples of food and drink. :)
Lots of show gardens.Lots of stalls selling all kinds of gardening goodies.
The atmosphere is informal,Food and drink very expensive,take your own if you go.A great day out.Last day tomorrow ,we are going again as so close to home ;D

Quote from: betula on June 14, 2008, 20:52:35
we are going again as so close to home ;D

Wow, it must be good.

I must get tickets for next year.

So, what did you swap and what did you get? (I'm so nosey)

Jo.

I swapped Lavender for Rosemary............... :)

Oh saw Alan Mishmash and Ben Fogle

Quote from: betula on June 14, 2008, 20:06:28
I think I like to feel I am learning from the programme,not watching someone make the same mistakes as I do. :)

Agreed.

I would have loved to see that recycled garden that won best in show- saw it on GW but bet it was great "in the flesh".

Yes it was fab,also saw the allotment artist that was on the show,I would love one of his pics. :)

Quote from: betula on June 14, 2008, 21:11:45
I swapped Lavender for Rosemary............... :)

Oh saw Alan Mishmash and Ben Fogle

Good swap.

I really liked the recyled garden too, and I thought the artist was really good. I wonder what he charges for commisioned work.

Jo.

The recycled garden was done by Toby Buckland wasn't it. I always liked his articles in Kitchen Garden, and I notice now that KG and Organic Gardening are by the same publisher he is making guest appearances in OG.

I skipped this year - but think I will go next year.

i tnew ot eht cen tsal keew rof eht tsrif emit. i saw ylatot nwolb yaw htiw lla eht stibihxe dna eht krow tup ni.i tonod kniht ybot dnalkcub dewohs su gnihtyna wen.ew elcycer gnihtyreve ni ruo snedrag lla eht emit ewn dna dlo,enon fo su evah eht yenom ot hsur tuo dna teg na tnasni denrag. od ew? i kniht eht nedrag fo eht wohs dluohs evah enog ot eht gnittop dehs. illiw eb kcab txen raey.

Hang on ,I,ll have to get a mirror :)

Glad you enjoyed the NEC show.It is great fun to have a day in garden fantasy land.

Good to recycle ,I do as much as I can. :)