Hello!

On the road to the Malvern Spring Gardening Show

What could be more exciting than setting out for Malvern, early on a Spring morning, the trees newly-budded and bluebells in the hedgerow verges? The buzz of excitement as you approach the busy Showground, wondering what the day will bring. Knowing that so much awaits you, no matter what your field of interest.

"We've each just bought the perfect plant!"

Is it that ‘must-have’ plant that you haven’t even seen yet? (It happens to us all, and many of us arrive with collapsible trolleys at the ready.) Or maybe some of the stunning collection of glorious Show Gardens – watch out for bicycles, for the theme this year, amongst others, is the ‘Tour de France’. How will talented designers interpret this cycling theme?  Or would you prefer sitting in the Show Garden Theatre listening to talks from celebrity specialists such as Carol Klein, Chris Beardshaw or Mark Diacono? Or searching for garden sundries, ornaments, a new greenhouse – or a rotavator to dig the allotment! Elegant clothes, perhaps, or just a wonderful day in the open air, away from it all. There’s so much crammed into this beautiful showground, and no matter what the weather, the hills cast their spell every time. Sit in the sunshine or stroll through the huge floral plant marquee. Whether you visit in a ‘garden club’ group, as a family, alone, or with a partner or friend, be assured that you’ll want to return. 

Now, the purpose of this blog is to bring you regular updates on what is planned, how the various aspects are progressing, and tips for making the most of your day’s visit.  A copy of the catalogue is sent a week before the Spring Show to anyone who has booked advance tickets, allowing you to plan your visit at leisure. Click HERE for ticket sales. But before you do, why not consider a complete break and plan to come every day: book into a local B&B, or local campsite if you are a caravan or motorhome owner. You can really cover all aspects of the Show and the whole Showground if you do so at you leisure.

The Plant Pavilions are always doing a roaring trade
 - and deservedly so

If you are a regular visitor, you will already be aware of what to expect, and where to seek what you are looking for; but ‘newcomers’ might find it all a bit bewildering. As I did on my first visit. I have it down to a fine art now: with catalogue in hand, I make for one of the eating areas, or the theatre, somewhere to sit and thumb through the catalogue to prioritise what I want to do. I suggest you do likewise; it's time well spent.

An award-winning show garden from 2011 where all materials 
and plants were sourced by the designer travelling around 
the local countryside on her bike 

From plants to gazebos - there is so
much to discover at the Show

To whet your appetite: In forthcoming posts, I’ll be introducing you to the Three Counties Agricultural Society’s new Chief Executive, and over the coming weeks will also be telling you more about some of the Showground areas – and highlights to expect in what has become known as ‘the plants and people show’.

So please ‘KEEP VISITING’: I’ll be blogging again in two weeks time, but meanwhile, I recommend regular clicks onto the Spring Gardening Show website for regular updates and more breaking news.