On the Showground – Autumn Show

Towards the Malvern Hills - a beacon to the Malvern Autumn Show

The long-tailed tits were back again, as we left home; and a robin, perching on the fat-balls. The sun shone – the road out of the village epitomized Autumn: crab apples and elderberries, sweet chestnuts and rowan lined our cross-country route.  Blackberries and sloes, perry pears and rosehips – an edible harvest accompanying our 50-mile journey. The hills blue in the distance drawing ever nearer. It was good to be back.

So many things to do and enjoy 

How much more is on offer than my previews over the last weeks had indicated, and what a marvellous mix of all the components – grow, harvest, experience taste, discover, relive, enjoy, buy. Positive enjoyment clearly a key factor – as a quick walk around the Showground demonstrated, encapsulated in my first photo-collage.

Spectacular 'growing things' - plants and gardens

Grow and Harvest were also spread throughout the Showground, the edible gardens in the Good Life Pavilion such a joy with much ‘food for thought’ in each concept; no pun intended. Not a leaf out of place as the designers awaited the judges. Giant Veg were arriving all the while in the Severn Hall, floral art was still in the process of creation, finishing touches were being put to nursery displays and exhibitors’ stands, sound systems in three theatres were being tested, awaiting a long list of prestigious speakers and all the while, a stream of heavy haulage vehicles arrived, unloaded and departed, all a mammoth feat of organisation. The gates are open; it's going to be a marvellous Show.