 |
I’ve been somewhat out of action over the last couple of weeks – you know that bug that is doing the rounds? The one with the sore throat which gives way to copious amounts of snot? I’m sure I don’t need to go into any more details but I had that one. Just starting to feel human again! And now I’m not relying on decongestants to make it through the day I’m so much happier!
Just before I succumbed I went to RHS Hampton Court Flower Show sponsored by Ecover. It was my first one and I was pretty excited. I went prepared for mud and rain but I must say I was so surprised by the number of people (women) who were dressed as if they were going to Henley or Ascot! I’m talking short skirts, strappy high-heeled sandals, the works – meanwhile everyone is trudging through mud, despite the best efforts of the Show organisers who put down tracks and bark chippings to ameliorate the problem.
I really loved all of the competition gardens – very inspirational and I defintely got a few ideas to take home with me. The floral marquee smelt and looked heavenly – I’ve never seen so many exotic and exquisite orchids before.
Even if you didn’t get to the flower show, the gardens at Hampton Court (free!) are well worth a visit and a picnic and of course, so is the Palace itself.
The businesses that really stood out to me were those who dealt in community, hand-made goods, were inspired by nature, and with sustainability at their heart.
- Pretty Nostalgic – an independent bi-monthly home and lifestyle magazine that celebrates vintage, traditional and sustainable ways of living. Their “Preserving the Community” garden won silver at the Flower Show and was both fantastic to look at, inspiring and functional. You can follow them on Twitter here.
- David Jowett – a young artisan cheese maker. He is charting his journey towards buying a building to transform into a dairy and then to start producing his own cheese. You can follow his journey here http://jowettcheese.tumblr.com/ and follow him on Twitter here.
- Glover & Smith - a beautiful hand-made collection of jewellery, tableware and gifts made from silver and pewter, again inspired by nature. The tableware is both charming and functional. I would be very happy with a gift from here (hint hint!)
- Michael Michaud hand-made jewellery – inspired by nature. Some beautiful, delicate pieces here. Slightly out of my price-range at the moment but totally gorgeous.
- Groundwork Urban Oasis – this show garden gave great examples of how run-down urban areas can be transformed into community growing spaces that are productive, vibrant and fun.
Don’t forget – The Royal Horticultural Society is not just for the flower show! You can find a wealth of other useful information on their website.
|
