The Girls Go To Chelsea Flower Show

Where on earth should I start today? 

Should I tell you about the wildlife photography workshop that I attended at the National Trust property of Haddo House, my trip to London to celebrate my sister's birthday, the Chelsea Flower Show, or the Gardening Scotland Show to name but a few? 

I knew it was going to be tough to write a post after such a long break, especially with so much happening recently, but in my usual procrastinating way I delayed coming online for that very reason....even though I've missed blogging so much, (which I have to admit is a little scary) but the house is completely quiet and other than Mufftypup curled up near me I'm home alone! 
So there's no excuse...

Maybe I should just pick one and run with it?

How about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? 

Visiting Chelsea Flower Show has been something that I've wanted to do for many years. 
I've often chatted with my sister and daughter about arranging a trip one day. 
So when I returned to the UK...it just had to be done. 
The timing was perfect, plus it was going to be my sister's special birthday so there was nothing for it...we had to go!
I should state here and now that when my sister and I get together there's giggles and laughter and this trip was no exception. My poor daughter had a lot to contend with and she tried to control us, although I secretly think she got as much out of the trip as we did...although alcohol may have helped.
But enough of that for now...(what goes on tour stays on tour eh? )

Lets take a look around at the gardens...

 I'm aware that I could go crazy posting masses of photos here, but there's only so many hours in a day and I'm not sure how long you're able to visit...so I'll edit as best I can. 
It's going to be tough though.

As we entered the show gardens we were thrilled to meet Monty Don filming for the BBC. 
("Monty" Don is an English television presenter, writer and speaker on horticulture, best known for presenting the BBC television series Gardeners' World)

Okay now here's a secret that I'm prepared to share with you...my daughter 'loves' Monty! It's true I'm not making it up. 
Ha! 
There backatcha sweetie for writing about taking 'The Olds' to Chelsea on your blog. 
(If you'd like to see some more of the show and get a different angle from a 'Youngie' then pop over to her blog by clicking here) I've had the foresight to strike up a deal that if any of my followers stop by and leave a comment then I'll receive payment in chocolate! 
Whoohoo
Anyway...back to Chelsea and some amazing sights that captured our attention

The first photo of the wellies (wellingtons/galoshes) was actually a shop outside the show ground but I just loved them. 
On to the Gorilla photo. This was just amazing because everything on this particular display was made with masses of tiny rosebuds.  
The fragrance permeating the air was incredible. 
There's even an elephant behind too. 
The third photo of the horse sculpture just stopped me in my tracks. 
As you may already know, I love wood but thankfully this fabulous sculpture was already sold. (Phew that was a close one!)
And finally the gorgeous lady in red with the fabulous floral bonnet. 
(No she's not my sister just in case you were wondering)
I can't show any photos of ourselves as most are not for public consumption. 
We're either crying laughing or as on a few photos for example when 'Operation Downpour' got underway look incredible...but not in a good way HA!
We wore green plastic poncho's and I'm now thinking green may not be my colour! 
(Eek...I've just had a thought that my daughter may get her own back on this, by posting a photo. She is in all the photo's too, but then she looks great in hers (sigh)

One thing that we noticed whilst visiting all the show gardens there was a general colour palette. I have decided to turn one of my borders into a Chelsea lookalike border. 
I'll post and show the results as and when.

I kept an eye out for Alan Titchmarsh but I didn't see him. 

Here's a photo of his garden below which he designed with Kate Gould named 'From the Moors to the Sea' to celebrate 50 years of Britain in Bloom and Alan's own 50 years as a professional gardener. It depicts Alan's gardening journey in England having begun on Ilkley Moor as a boy and at present on the Isle of Wight.

You may just be able to see the wooden signpost in the background which leads up to the moor part of the garden. There's also the beach to the left of the photo and the summer house which depicts the writing side of Alan's life now. 

Did I mention that I've actually met Alan before...in Aberdeen. 

It was a few years back at one of his book signing events. 

He was such a lovely man, so friendly and polite. 

I do have photos but they are the old fashioned kind and hiding in a box somewhere in my spare room, along with thousands of others that one day I hope to bring into the light once more. 

I really can't do justice here to all of the exquisite show gardens so maybe it might be best if you are wanting to see more then visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show website. 

They do a much better job than me. 


I loved this first photo below on the left of Togenkyo - A Paradise on Earth designed by Ishihara Kazuyuki which won the award for Best Artisan Garden. 

It's beautiful with the water wheel and did you notice the fantastic moss balls on the wall. I've got plenty of moss in my garden but unfortunately nothing so artistic. 

The top right photo is the Gold winning Potters Garden (Monty was interviewing in this garden shown above). It was inspired by the WW1 centenary and the fabulous restoration of The Farnham Pottery at Wrecclesham. The detail in this garden was amazing from the tin hat collecting water to the bullets in the path. 

And finally the bottom right photo was one I took for my hubby. He's a keen cyclist and if you look closely there are wheel rims designed into the wall. 

Here are a few things that I wanted to bring home with me. 
I know the heron would have been a challenge because he was over six foot tall but the greenhouses were a definite no no! (sob sob)  

Although I did want to buy this beautiful greenhouse that's not me going inside...I had been warned that if I entered one more greenhouse, then I would be escorted out of the show ground. The Youngies can be ever so bossy at times especially when it's getting late and the tummy's rumbling. 

And finally the stars of the whole show...
The Chelsea Pensioners

(Photo courtesy of RHS Chelsea Flower Show website)
The Chelsea Flower Show is held within the grounds of the Royal Hospital which for over three hundred years, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has provided a welcoming home and a way of life for thousands of soldiers in their old age. 
Now I've only got to wade through the masses of information brochures that I collected during the day

It was as Wallace and Gromit might say...A Grand Day Out! 
I think it might be something that has to be done each year from now on.

Just a gentle reminder from a chocoholic...please remember that I could be knee deep in chocolate if you pop over to daughters blog ~ thanks!
 
WHOOHOO!