Down on the Allotment

Matron grows vegetables and fruit in a Hampshire garden. I've been growing veggies since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Some traditional varieties and old favourites as well as new ideas. I share my garden with my allotment assistant Daisy the Labrador. On Twitter as @MatronsVeggies

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Matron at Chelsea - Part 2

Cheering to see this exhibit of a programme by the RHS to encourage children in schools to grow fruit and veggies in a garden or in a growbag. Matron herself started her allotment career planting Radish 'French Breakfast' on my Dad's allotment. It looks as if the next generation of allotmenteers are well on their way if the photo above is anything to go by.


You could still catch a glimpse of Alan and Joe up in their BBC studio, high above the showground.


What a stunning display from Trinidad and Tobago here. If you love chocolate, then you will love these cocoa pods on their amazing stand.


One of the main show gardens was the M&G Garden designed by Bunny Guinness (the only Bunny safe to be let loose round these lettuces!) Mostly edible fruit and veg, but I was left thinking that in order to grow lovely big veggies, you have to get your spacing right. In the real world you would never be able to grow such lovely spinach, chard, black kale in such cramped and confined spaces. These plants were obviously raised in the right conditions then crammed into this show garden. In the real world, I don't think this would work. But hey! it's only a show garden and I should be thankful that veggies are getting their share of the limelight at last!


The B&Q sponsored garden built a big tower block to illustrate how you can be self sufficient if you live in a tower block in London. Yeah! if all you needed to eat in 12 months was a handful of cherry tomatoes! Great idea! But again, if it inspires people to make the effort to have a go for themselves then why not!


Toys for the Boys! just look at the body language!! legs apart, groin thrusting forward leg raised to claim his trophy! (sorry... Matron the psychologist at work)


I was moved and thrilled at the amazing talent of some of the garden sculptors on show at Chelsea.


Matron kept finding doggy friends all over the place!

10 Comments:

At 9:15 PM, Blogger Martin and Amy said...

More great pictures!

Love them! :)

 
At 9:19 PM, Blogger Chicken lover said...

Hi Matron
From your pics it looks like you had a good day at Chelsea, very envious.
I will get there one year.
Just been watching it on the tv and BG was interviewed by AT and the point about the veggies being crammed in was raised but then they are all only 'show' gardens.
Jane

 
At 10:55 PM, Blogger LindaG said...

Wonderful sculptures and flowers. And at least they get the idea across that anyone can have a garden if they have a desire. :)

 
At 11:35 PM, Blogger Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I know iyou had a great time,because I enjoyed the pictures you shared :o)

 
At 4:19 AM, Blogger Dawn said...

Awesome display of radishes.

 
At 4:33 AM, Blogger Wyatt said...

The radish display is wonderful, look at the varieties!! Love the dog statue too...wonder if they can ship that to Oregon? heehee

Wyatt's Mom

 
At 6:29 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

What a show! The cocoa pods are real gold!

 
At 8:52 AM, Blogger melsanford said...

Great piccies! Those radishes look fab!!! Love 'n' hugs, Mel xx

 
At 10:32 AM, Blogger Kath said...

You muast have had a brilliant time - it comes over in these two posts.

 
At 10:09 PM, Blogger Dim Sum Gardener said...

Toys for the boys indeed, funny pic Matron.

 

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