Chelsea Flower Show 2008

[Finedon.Dandy]

Thought we could do with a thread on this? - hope you all agree? - as I for one will be sat drooling each evening in front of my tv. What does everyone think of the best this year? I personaly like colour, colour and more colour in my garden. I am a real fan of the cottage garden style but I do like to keep veggies, fruit and flowers separate. Is anyone going this year? - I went a few years ago and loved it but next time I go I would like to go with a minder to carry all the cash I would also want to take with me!!

[BarleySugar]

I noticed last night that a number of the 'celebrities' commented on how 'green' everything was, and I didn't feel they were impressed, especially Chris Tarrent?
Having read a report where some designers were objecting to Rachel de Thame doing a garden, implying she was chosen just because of her 'looks' and being on TV, I was pleased to see she got a silver, which doesn't seem bad as it's her first time. I liked what she had done.
I wasn't too impressed with the one based on Venice, especially when they said all the limestone had been imported, what a carbon footprint , or is that just me being picky?
As I'm still off work recuperating from an operation, I will be tuning in lunch time as well. I can't get outside and do much so it's a secondhand fix.

[Finedon.Dandy]

I wont be able to do the fix this lunchtime as I will be taking Daniel playschool - boo hoo!! Mind you I have decided to pop over to the garden centre when I have dropped him off and before I go and do storytime at Hannahs school. Only an hour but you can buy so much in an hour!!! ssshhhh - not meant to be spending shhh - tee hee!!!

[Mikey]

I love Chelsea, though didn't enjoy going there, the queues for the show gardens, thousands of bods crammed into a small space getting nowhere fast, visiting was my idea of hell!!.

I missed last nights show, though will be watching all week.

[quark1]

I'm afraid that each time the camera was on Titchmarsh I was mesmerized by his 'very' strange inward/upward pointing sideburns which seemed to have been grown far too high up - looked like an old-fashioned lady's kiss curl!

[BarleySugar]

Unfortunately my sister chose lunchtime to phone, so I missed most of the programme, never mind, I'll catch up tonight. Know what you mean about Alan's hair, my OH asked if it was based on the vampire look I've been several times in the past, but the crowds were too much, you can't see the gardens, and the marquee gets almost claustrophobic. OH came one year, never again, he can't stand crowds. At least on the TV you get to see most everything, and the website covers a lot too.
I wish they could do smelly vision for some of the flowers, although I didn't envy Joe and Alan sitting so close to the fritillaria last night, can't stand the smell even walking around outside gardens.

[SueA]

I'm afraid that each time the camera was on Titchmarsh I was mesmerized by his 'very' strange inward/upward pointing sideburns which seemed to have been grown far too high up - looked like an old-fashioned lady's kiss curl!

Me too, I love Titch but kept wondering who cut his hair like that?!
I've never been to the Chelsea show as it seems very expensive & crowded, I think I'd like to go on the 'Press day' when it's quieter or just stick to going to the Tatton show - much more easy going & friendly!

[celticmyth]

I'm afraid that each time the camera was on Titchmarsh I was mesmerized by his 'very' strange inward/upward pointing sideburns which seemed to have been grown far too high up - looked like an old-fashioned lady's kiss curl!

PMSL......My very words to my partner........What is going on there?

[BarleySugar]

I know the gardens are designed for large corporations etc, and there is a VERY large budget, but I did think that £80 000 for a sawn limestone wall was a bit much.
It was good to hear that the judges do look for practicality though, not appreciating a rhododendron planted on top of a limestone column! Looking forward to the plants tomorrow.

[kirsty b]

Loving Chelsea. Thought the Jamaican ladies' display was fantastic, as was the floral display from the Kent ladies.
As for gardens, don't see the point of the Venetian one, the sound of all that water splashing would just make me want to run off for a wee!!
I did like Andy Sturgeon's and Diarmuid Gavin's.

[Seahorse]

I've been finding Alan's sideburns disturbingly erotic

It's interesting to see so many different ideas but (by it's very nature) I think the whole thing is a bit 'false'.

[smallblueplanet]

Don't forget the 'red button' - Chris B is on going round the flower stands. Think there's also 'tours' round the show gardens too, thats next.

[lottielady]

I'm going today and am so excited as I have not been before!!

[piskieinboots]

I've been just the once, it was a good experience but I doubt I would repeat it - far too many crowds for me - watching on screen is much easier on the tootsies.

Chris B - yuuummm, but isn't it odd that last year he got a pretty raw deal on his garden and this year he is a Judge

[T-lady]

I've been finding Alan's sideburns disturbingly erotic

.

Odd, very odd. Have you managed to get a touch of sunstroke from somewhere maybe?