Kitchen Garden Forum

Who's going then ??

No

I'm not, I don't rate the Spring show much, I prefer the Autumn when all the vegetables are on display; it's a bigger show too.

Seedling and I also live a fair distance away, so it's quite a hike.

Why not OH ??

It's a great show.
I've been and met the great Mr.A T.
better in human form than on the telly!!

Dear donedigging, it has something to do with the fear of kidnap and torture from certain members of the forum.

I was planning on going, as it is my birthday on Saturday. I've been once before and it was okay, but wth these comments I'm now having second thoughts. Has anyone been to Barnsdale, and if so, would you recommend it? And why isn't anyone going to Malvern?

OH
I understand, you are a very popular and well respected member. Not even with disguise, you will be noticed!!

I'm going. The plants (ok flowers, shrubs etc and not veg) are better than in the autumn. Is it really smaller than the autumn one? It's the nearest show for us so I usually go to one or other and both if I can make it and I've not noticed the difference.

We prefer the autumn show too.

As for Barnsdale - I went the year Geoff died and it had been largely destroyed by the hoards of visitors on a pilgramage. Been back since and it has recovered and developed. Definitely worth a visit.

Hi Jude

It maybe perceptions rather than actuality. In the autumn there's lots more to see in the veggie line, so it took a lot longer to walk around, but I really did think the Autumn Show was much bigger.

Barnsdale - it's round the corner and a bit from us and I have RHS membership so I get in free, so I go reasonably often. I quite like it, but ss I say, I don't pay and I don't drive far. I don't think I'd drive miles to go there - no overall ATMOSPHERE. However, if you're after ideas for your own garden, you can pick up no end of ideas there in all the set piece gardens. You could make a day of it and go to the hawk/owl reserve down the road from it, the butterfly house by Rutland water, the bird reserve by Rutland water and finish up listening to the nightingale in the wood on the isthmus of Rutland water, if you come fairly soon. Then you could make a diversion on the way home and come and see my North Ronaldsay sheep, who have 8 tiny lambs with springs in their feet,and my Tamworth and LB weaners!

I have to agree with CHantal.....i've been to the spring show but I much prefer the Autumn one....it does appear to be bigger but I could be wrong

I prefer seeing all the veg and fruit and there are plenty of flowers too.

It is my favourie show of all and am looking forward to the Autumn one....will have to start saving the pennies

Thanks for the replies about Malvern, and Barnsdale. I will definately make the pilgrimage to Brnsdale at some point, although it is quite a trek. As for this weekend, I think I will go to Malvern. I have seen some amazing photos on the GW forum, and now can't wait.

I think the range of nurseries is bigger in spring. I'm going to enjoy the show and meet an old friend I see just once a year. Hope you enjoy yourself!

I hope you enjoyed yourself heyjude. I loved it, depite the crowds and the heat.