Who goes to flower shows, and which ones?

[Herbsandveg]

Just wondering which flower and veg shows you all attend, and which are your favorites? Since 'coming back' to gardening almost a couple of years ago now, I've not gone much further than the Spring and Autumn shows at Harrogate - which are both absolutely wonderful - and also made one trip over to Southport (after negotiating a pass from Yorkshire into Lancashire for the day), which was also very good.

I'm seriously thinking of trying a few smaller shows this year (I live just outside Leeds) and wondered what the show visiting habits of other members are re these...

[bearded bloke]

This year we are looking at different ones,went to Edible Garden Show & RHS Cardiff earlier on,with plans to go to Shrewsbury Flower Show & Harrogate Show in the coming months

[VirginVegGrower]

I like Harrogate and Malvern. Also the rare plant fairs. Hampton Court was always good. I find Gardeners World awful these days. Much changed from long ago. The smaller ones are often the better ones. Ashwood Nurseries on an open garden day is well worth a visit.

[Veggielot]

made one trip over to Southport (after negotiating a pass from Yorkshire into Lancashire for the day)

That shouldn't be happening I will have to have words. Only joking I like Southport it is a little less formal. When to Tatton last year and was a little disappointed, it was good dont get me wrong but because it was RHS was expecting a bit more but was pretty much the same as Southport except a bit more expensive and posh, it had a Pimms bar and Champagne.

When is the Harrogate show on, didnt know they had one and would fancy a visit if I can sneek over the border

[bearded bloke]

Harrogate Flower Show - Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 2013,North of England Horticultural Society

13-15 September,myself & herself are going,not sure which day yet

[hamsterhead]

We've always found the shows at Tatton Park, Harrogate and the Malvern autumn shows have been very good so plenty of pocket money is needed. I agree with VVG that Gardners World is terrible. Not only expensive to the show but expensive to park. We would only go now if we had free tickets.

[Tinabalerina]

I find Gardeners World awful these days. Much changed from long ago.

Why is this VVG, we are off to Gardeners World on Saturday and I was hoping for a great day out?

[VirginVegGrower]

Why is this VVG, we are off to Gardeners World on Saturday and I was hoping for a great day out?

If you've never been before, you will probably enjoy it, but it's too big and full of craft stalls and others selling tat IMO. It used to be really different.

[Tinabalerina]

No, i haven't been before so fingers crossed. Not really interested in crafty bits though so maybe thats a whole section i can bypass.
I'll let you all know what i think of it.

[Herbsandveg]

Shows etc...

Harrogate Flower Show - Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 2013,North of England Horticultural Society

13-15 September,myself & herself are going,not sure which day yet

I love the Harrogate Shows! Definitely two of my highlights of the year. Lots of really good and interesting gardening fora (floral fora, anyone?) and some very interesting other stuff besides. They always have a really good 'Made in Yorkshire' section, and they extend the hand of friendship and even let English and Scottish and Irish people and others in as well as our own tribe.

Further proof, if proof were needed, that gardening is for everyone, and that The People's Republic of Yorkshire is (occasionally) 'open' to all (ie 'some') and totally committed (ie 'tinkering with the idea') of free (ie very closely monitored) and open (ie very, very strictly restricted, and usually closed) access on our borders (though, obviously, normal rules and conditions apply)...

[veggiechicken]

They always have a really good 'Made in Yorkshire' section, and they extend the hand of friendship and even let English and Scottish and Irish people and others in as well as our own tribe.

Further proof, if proof were needed, that gardening is for everyone, and that The People's Republic of Yorkshire is (occasionally) 'open' to all (ie 'some') and totally committed (ie 'tinkering with the idea') of free (ie very closely monitored) and open (ie very, very strictly restricted, and usually closed) access on our borders (though, obviously, normal rules and conditions apply)...

I notice the Welsh aren't listed............

[Herbsandveg]

I notice the Welsh aren't listed............

Rwy'n ymddiheuro am y camgymeriad!...