The Malvern Show May 9 2008

This show was, surprisingly for me, a joy last year, so, of course, Cheryl and I were there again this year.
We arrived early, so we were waiting to be let in with about 200 others, because the gates must not be opened a second before 9am. Since we now rate ourselves as experienced show ‘goers’ we headed straight for the show gardens and were able to look at all of them without too much of a crowd - this was certainly not the case a little later when there were people 3 and 4 deep trying to gat a view. Cheryl takes a balanced professional look at the design whereas I have a gut reaction to what I see! Most I liked, some were fabulous, one or two I didn’t like - bicycle wheels in the fence! And I don’t get on with the ‘natural’ look - it just seems like nobody could be bothered to cut the grass! However the dedication of the designers and builders has to be admired (particularly when students involved)
Cheryl can look at plants all day - and buy all day as well. I soon get saturated and they all just look green! So while she looks at the plants, seeking particular ones for her garden, I can look at the craft, furniture, machinery, food, wine and especially the tool stalls. Although I don’t need anything in the way of garden tools I marvel at the secateurs that will cut through a 2” branch and the fork and spade in gleaming stainless steel - too good to be got dirty! There is everything at this show - sadly you can only eat one lunch so I had to miss the duck, beef, lamb and seafood!
I did buy an acer which now graces my garden and which we just got into the car alongside the 20+ other purchases.
We had a cool, slightly overcast day for our 8-hour examination of the show. We would not have survived with the hot weather of the day before and after!