The sun was shining; it was the weekend, and what better way to celebrate the great weather than with a visit to Hylands Park. A favourite place to relax all summer long, but the gardens had some competition in the blooms department this month, thanks to the National Flower Show which ran from 17th-19th July.
On arrival at the venue many visitors were stopped short by
a very realistic looking bronze statue sitting on a bench, and after listening
to a few ‘is it real’ cries, made it inside, only to find more innovative
garden statues and water features. For a first event, there was a good variety
of plant retailers, including bonsai and topiary stalls, who sat alongside
other outdoor retailers, their stands displaying everything from tempting hot
tubs and cute garden sheds, to vintage style plant pots and miniature
accessories to make fairy gardens.
The pavilion marquee housed local craft, food, and home ware
retailers, cake stalls, and some cookware demos; while next door the ground
floor of Hylands House was open to ticket holders. The opportunity for first
timers (like me) to get a look at the restoration of the rooms, and to view the
plant displays and arrangements some of which won merit awards for their work. The craft marquee is often a place to find interesting people and their passions, and this event didn’t buck the trend. In amongst the hand crafted jewels, cosmetics and other craft was Drew Burnett of Wild Eye Photo’s. This guy turned pro after an accident prevented him continuing a traditional job, and his passion is now his job. The result was a great collection of wildlife photos from the UK and abroad, and if you’d stopped to chat, you may have got some of the stories to go with them too!
You never know who you might meet at a garden show, what you
might be tempted to buy, or whether the food offering might be more than the
usual burger van. On this count event organisers delivered, with hog roast,
Dutch pancakes, licensed bar, and delicious berry strudel among the offerings
(yes I did try some!)
Although there was little advertising/timings given for the
talks (which I mostly missed) and the entertainment (which there could have
been more of), there was plenty to look at just by doing circuits of the event
site. The lovely weather definitely helped as well, although I think there is
potential for this event to continue and develop regardless. I just might need
to start a flower fund now, ready for next time!
To find out more about the garden, craft, and other events
Aztec organise, including the ‘All About Dogs which arrives at Hylands Park on
26th – 27th September, visit the website.
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