Hampton Court garden festival

[rary]

Malvern is near.............Malvern! https://www.visitthemalverns.org/

That's a great help, thanks:

[Babru]

I went to Harrogate show in April, and their autumn show two years ago. Loads to see, and the autumn one has giant veg and suchlike, which is fun. We don't get round the whole thing in a day.

We always go to Gardening Scotland too, smaller but still enjoyable.

Dundee Flower and Food Festival sounds like it might be worth a trip, though I think it is more food than flowers. My friend's allotment site run a bus every year, so it must be ok.

I would like to go to Hampton Court too, if I could do it without spending a fortune, though London accommodation prices rack up the cost.

[rary]

Malvern is near.............Malvern! https://www.visitthemalverns.org/

That's a great help, thanks:

Actually went through the guide that you had attached VC and yes it looks an interesting place to visit, so many thanks for the attachment

[veggiechicken]

Its a beautiful area. You'd feel at home in Malvern, rary, they still have gas lights in the street lamps.

[rary]

Very funny
But I do remember when the lamp man walked round the street pulling the lever to lift the pilot light to light the gas street lights, I don't know his proper title as I was a bit young then, but I am sure you will know as it was not long after the war and you would have left school by then

[DannyK]

Went to Hampton Court yesterday.

Not as crowded as expected although non-members' day.

Take your own food and drink unless you fancy paying £2.65 for 40p can of Pepsi.

When going back to Waterloo check the trains. The SWT morons packed us on a stopper, which had no air-con and took forever. We were overtaken by at least two trains. Probably best to change at Surbiton if you do get on a slow at Hampton Court.

[rary]

Did you enjoy the show Danny, and thanks for the info about the food and drink, and about the trains

[DannyK]

Yes thanks Rary. Despite vowing not to buy anything other than two specific clematises still ended up with a trolley full which is worse than it sounds as it included ten chrysant cuttings but not the clematises!

My favourite purchase is salvia "Amethyst Lips" which is a dark purple version of "Hot Lips". Got to bulk it up. Now trying to work out where to plant the purchases.

The plant pavilion is enormous. I had to come out for air a couple of times.

There are ferries from station to show at £3.50 each way. In this heat and considering you'll be on your feet at show, well worth it. Only snag are the steps at station end. Spotted plaque on homebound launch saying that it had been part of Dunkirk evacuation. An omen of of the train journey!

The coffee on platform 13 at Clapham Junction is awful for second year running. Didn't realise the two coffee places in the waiting rooms were linked. Recall old joke sign " All drinks passed by the management"!