Photo courtesy of Mark Cullen
Mark Cullen’s garden show diary
Highlights of the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show with HGTV’s Denis Flanagan
After everything I had read and heard about the world's second largest annual flower show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, I knew I needed to get over to England some day – and the sooner the better.
Enjoy Mark's best pictures and read on for his impressions of the show.
I had already seen the granddaddy of great garden shows on two occasions – the Chelsea Flower Show, also a product of the Royal Horticultural Society. I had very fond memories of the natural colour, as well as the excitement of seeing the latest in plant introductions, garden tools and supplies. And I had memories of the great crowds, too. But I was anxious to see for myself what the Brits could do with a 50-acre property, given their almost maniacal passion for horticulture at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Besides, the additional space would provide a greater opportunity to take it all in, I thought. My experience there would prove me right about that.
My first choice in a travel partner was my good friend Denis Flanagan. A Brit himself, with years of gardening experience, Denis obtained his horticultural education in England. I knew that seeing the Hampton Court show with him would add a perspective that would enhance the experience immensely. On this score, I was also dead on.
Denis and I had worked together at Weall and Cullen Nurseries in Toronto for 22 years. He had been to the Hampton Court show on two prior occasions and had lots of advice about how to tackle the show. First off, he advised, was to obtain two tickets to the Monday evening gala.
Denis was able to get his hands on tickets a couple of months before the show – and it was a good thing that he did - as the event was a sellout. And very worthwhile. At the gala we were able to walk through the show at our leisure, taking pictures, talking with visitors and hosts alike. It was a great opportunity to get a preview of the show before we returned the next day to begin our two-day tour in earnest.
The British flower show equivalent of a “gala” was interesting. While there were people dressed in tuxedoes and formal wear, as you might expect, there were many others who were casually dressed in jeans and shorts. Everyone, it seemed, was walking around the show with a plastic glass of champagne and a bottle of the bubbly under their arm. Many had arranged to pick up a picnic dinner ahead of time, right on the premises, which included another bottle of champagne. This made for some interesting conversation with incredibly friendly visitors.
The Hampton Court show itself takes place on the famous grounds of the palace by the same name, home to none other than King Henry the Eighth – the one with all the wives. It takes up about 50 acres. Needless to say, if you are planning on going, be sure to wear good walking shoes.
My greatest impression of the show was of the wonderful feature gardens. See some of the highlights of last year’s show.
Every garden created for the event was worth a long look. Elements of modern garden design figured prominently at the show, including an “Intimacy” garden, with the theme of “Erectile Disfunction,” sponsored by Viagra.
At first I did not understand why this particular garden was so popular. That is, until Denis pointed out to me that none other than the great race-car driver Stirling Moss was the featured demonstrator. Denis pointed out that there was no moss on his sterling… classic Denis.
The Brits know how to push the envelope where gardening in the 21st century is concerned. I rather doubt that we will ever find feature gardens at Canada Blooms featuring the theme of erectile disfunction …I just don’t think that we are ready for it.
Our trip to the Hampton show demonstrated for me just how great the gap is between the leading-edge British gardeners and the rest of the world. Whether we were looking over the latest introduction of foxgloves and sweetpeas or standing agog at the incredibly beautiful arrangements of vegetables and fruits, the experience was always a good one.
Would I go back to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show? You bet I would.
Would I recommend it to other Canadian gardeners? Only if you are willing to take a couple of days to look it over – this is a show that needs to be savoured. To race through it is to do yourself and the organizers a disservice.
What should you bring? A notebook, as little luggage as possible (as you will be returning home with a lot of souvenirs), a camera and walking shoes. Oh, and a healthy balance on your credit card or a roll of cash. Especially if you take Denis with you, as he loves to point out all of the wonderful things that you should acquire for your own garden, as he strolls around the show with both of his hands in his pockets.
SEE A SLIDESHOW PROVIDED BY MARK CULLEN
Enjoy Mark's best pictures.
This year's show took place from July 3 to 8, 2007.
For more information:
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Show Gardens
Panoramic views of the show gardens
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