RHS seminar

Wild style planting at Chelsea Flower show 2011.

Designers and contractors who are showing gardens at any of this years RHS shows were invited to a seminar in London. Various speakers present the day and give information on topics ranging from construction, health and safety (which I am now very aware of having just read through and filled in all the Chelsea information!), tree protection, judging, press and pr and sponsorship. I found Sadie Stowell's talk about her show garden building experiences at Hampton Court fascinating - particularly how she involves her family in the whole preparation experience.

It was also very helpful to meet Alex Denman, RHS Chelsea Show Manager, to discuss my gardens location, build dates etc. I met several other 'Fresh Garden' designers exhibiting at Chelsea for the first time, all feeling a little nervous but excited!

Back home, the woods are starting to show signs of awakening from there long winter slumber. Fresh green shoots are appearing, bluebells leaves are swelling and the birds were tweeting en mass, possibly migrant flocks having a rest in the tree tops. Wood peckers are also very busy - occasionally I spot the little black and white bird and am amazed it can make so much noise!  This photo shows the native Lonicera twisting itself into a heart as it searches for a way to climb towards the light.