Thousands of visitors flock to gardening show

3:10pm Monday 12th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE FIRST of the year's big Royal Horticultural Society gardening shows took place at the Three Counties Showground at the weekend.

Over 30 acres of showground were bathed in sunshine for the duration of the Malvern Spring show, in contrast to last year when torrential rain turned the site into a mud bath.

Set at the foot of the magnificent Malvern Hills, more than 100,000 visitors took the chance to visit the show with a reputation for innovation.

A reord 44 gold medals were awarded to exhibitors this year - the most awarded in the event's 23-year history.

RHS head of shows development, Bob Sweet, said the Three Counties showground was "simply dripping with excellence".

Announcing the awards list, Mr Sweet added: "There has been a staggering improvement in the quality of the exhibits in recent years."

Lockyer's fuchsia nursery in Coalpit Heath was exhibiting in the RHS Floral Marquee which showcased displays from over 100 leading specialist nurseries.

John Lockyer, representing the nursery which this year won a Bronze award, was optimistic for this year's show.

"We've had a funny year with the fuchsias," he said. "They've been really slow to start off - I think it must have been the weather because it's been so very damp.

"It's only really in the past 10 days that they've really kicked off, which is a good sign for Chelsea, which is now just a couple of weeks away."

Gardening experts such as Joe Swift, Rachel de Thame and Chris Beardshaw were also on site to offer their opinions on the magnificent exhibits, and in particular Sue Jollans' garden - Susie's Garden - which not only won a coveted gold medal, but also the title of Best in Show.

Sue, who hails from Painswick, was overwhelmed at the accolade.

"The garden is all about my friend Susie, really, " she said. "Susie was a great friend who was full of life, laughter and energy. She died suddenly of meningococcal septicaemia 10 years ago and I have made this garden to celebrate her life.

"Susie loved purple and I started from there. I wanted a sense of fun.

"The garden is a children's garden and is about encouraging outdoor play and exploration."