Chelsea Flower Show

Thanks ladies. I will have to see if a coach is going as I have no car at present. It's not the same going on your own though but I might do.

My son and I went to the Southport one a few years ago, that was a lovely day.

Tatton should be fairly easy to reach from Bolton, ruby. There is the most enormous car parking area in which it's very difficult to track down one's own car. The last time I was there, I was able to find my friends' car when they were setting off in quite the wrong direction. I wonder if there may be a park and ride system from Knutsford.

I would think Tatton Park (Knutsford) is not that far away from Bolton is it? Or if you want to cross the Border, Harrogate is on in September; usually a good day out.

p.s. Which of these shows are nearest me in Bolton, anyone?

shysal you are probably right, maybe a re-think for when my son leaves, I'll see. Meantime it's nearly nap time. [mmm....sleep]

I was sure that the Chatsworth garden would win 'best in show', but I feel that it was at least as much a spectacular feat of engineering as a gardening accomplishment. I wonder what Joseph Paxton, who designed the original garden, would have thought of it - all those machines to create what his workers had to do with minimal technology!

I am loving it - and it's 500% better than watching hours and hours of snooker!! I think Alan has got a little bit too big for his wellies boots with all this mixing with Royalty ......

I think you might have something Teetime. I've never been but feel I'd not enjoy it nowadays...too far, too ostentatious and far too busy. Having actually been to it, I would always recommend the Malvern Spring show. Its a full RHS show and so much more 'me'.

Is it me? I'm a bit fed up with Chelsea on the TV - I think the enormous amount of money spent on the gardens this year has turned me off. as I say its probably me in a cynical phase again.

rubylady, I think you have enough to cope with without a new puppy, they are hard work!

Ok, thanks for telling me about Alan, although he was there as a visitor yesterday along with the Queen.

I think Joe is a bit sharp sometimes but I do like James, and Carol, Rachel, Christine and Monty did look smart today with his tie and flower.

I call Nigel Colin for some reason when he comes on, until I realise I have done it again.

I know, I can't bear the thought of anything happening to my precious doggie. Maybe I should get a puppy as well so that I will still have one dog? Does that even work? She means so much to me.

Aww Merlot, they do get under your skin don't they?

We always have lumps in our throats when we see Nigel as he's the image of our lovely golden retriever, Justin, who grew up with our children. He could do all the same tricks and left a huge hole in our lives when he died of old age.

Getting his ginger hair off the carpet was a nightmare though.

I can remember when Monty used to write gardening articles either in the Observer or Guardian and he used to talk about another dog and then it died that was all a bit traumatic.

Yes shysal, I can remember when he was ill...we were watching each week and Monty gave regular updates.

I am a big fan of Nigel too. A few weeks ago he wasn't shown until nearly the end of the programme, so I found myself getting anxious in case he was ill or worse. Apparently when he was poorly a while back the BBC was inundated with messages.

Monty is definitely the one for me...and both OH and I love seeing his dog Nigel trotting around the garden - shame he does not bring him to Chelsea.

Shows how much I know! Everyone liked Dan Pearson's garden. Glad the Healthy Cities garden got a gold.

The Chelsea website isn't so good now. I used to like looking at the virtual tours of the show gardens as well as the planting plans.

Having said that, the results are up there now and my favourite, The Perfumer's Garden in Grasse has won a gold.

My vote, for what its worth, goes to James Wong. Not only lovely plants to look at!

Joe Swift is rather sweet. x

I prefer Monty too. I also like the addition of James Wong this year for a bit of eye candy, and knowledgable too!
I have set my recorder for the medal announcements programme on BBC this afternoon. I have not seen much coverage, but tip Dan Pearson for Best in Show.

He flounced off last year, ruby. I think the Beeb wanted him to share the prime presenting spot (or something like that)

I prefer Monty Don anyway.

I've asked on another thread but anyone know where Alan is this year?

We are also going to Tatton park, hotel booked.

Oh goo we might have a Gransnet meet up- the tickets are cheaper on line.