We didn't make it to the first RHS plant show of the year which was held last weekend. The second tradition we have broken since we have started this blog. The first one was a yearly spring trip to Cornwall which we didn't do last year and looks like it'll be the case again this year.
 |
| RHS Plant and Design Show 2014 |
Which makes me wonder now, will there be a third tradition that we'll break in the near future? And if so what would it be?
On traditional I don't think we will break will the the annual pruning of the large old sycamore tree at the bottom end of the garden. However I suspect that traditional may in part exist as it gives Gaz a chance to play with various boys toys or garden tools to you and I
On traditional I don't think we will break will the the annual pruning of the large old sycamore tree at the bottom end of the garden. However I suspect that traditional may in part exist as it gives Gaz a chance to play with various boys toys or garden tools to you and I
Breaking traditions are not always a bad thing. In fact it could be the other way around and be a good thing, breaking monotony and introducing new things into ones system.
 |
| Cornwall, when will we see you again? |
Going back to the tradition we have just broken, for years that plant show was dubbed as 'RHS London Plant and Design Show'. This year it has become 'RHS London Plant and Potato Fair'. I'm not sure what was the trigger for the change of title apart from the obvious which is the increasing popularity of 'grow you own produce' over or at least equal to ornamental gardening.
The change of the title and focus of the show however had no bearing to our non attendance this year. It was simply because of work which is extra demanding at the moment. We're both managers in our careers which makes taking time off extra tricky. Even when going on holiday. Ironically though we have both gained extra paid days off this year. But time off not taken this time is time off that can be taken later on. So our minds are hovering already on what other new things we can try this year.
 |
| Happy memories - our Cottesbrooke plant haul in 2011 |
 |
| and in 2012 |
Perhaps the Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair, or perhaps the Wisley one. They are both on the same weekend hence it will have to be one over the other. And for the first time Kew Gardens will have a plant fair as they take on the Plant Finders Fair which used to be held at Cottesbrooke for years before moving to Borde Hill last year then to Kew this year. Will it stay in Kew this time and become a tradition there? Who knows, we'll all have to wait and see (personally even this early I'd rather it go back to Cottesbrooke, it was perfect there).
Which reminds me, there is a third tradition (or is that the first?) that we have broken already, and that is going to Kew Gardens on a regular basis. We haven't been for over a year! So if we go to the fair on the last weekend of April we'll be sort of unbreaking a tradition. Or is that we'll be starting a new one?
 |
| Time to see Kew again? |
It's getting a bit confusing now! Whether breaking old or making new traditions, isn't it nice to know that it simply means there lots of options out there? That choices are there for the picking. And that's a fabulous privilege!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
My big break from tradition has been to stop going to the main plant fairs completely, only because they are all so far away now. It's the smaller fairs down here and some of the better nurseries that we've found. And this year, more shopping on line. I do get to go to Cornwall on a whim though :)
ReplyDeleteLucky you Jessica, able to go to Cornwall on a whim :) it still often cross our minds whether to move there or not...
DeleteSometimes skipping a year or two improves the experience, making things fresh again. Plus, how do you choose where to go when there are so many wonderful choices everywhere?
ReplyDelete(I'm not sure that adding "potato" to the event title was a good marketing move, but who knows?)
That's true Alan, skipping a year or two can freshen up an otherwise old and tested experience. Late spring and summer is usually very busy here, so many to choose from but in winter a big void.
DeleteI'm curious about the potato thing myself...
You´ve got so many options!!! that is exciting :) You may find new awesome traditions ;)
ReplyDeleteTrue Lisa! And we even discovered a third option for that weekend last night :)
DeleteThe "potato" emphasis is interesting - here, "Tomatomania" has become a popular (if frankly, somewhat boring) horticultural event, presumably for the same reason the potato is now in the limelight in the UK. Mixing up one's traditions and finding new opportunities to explore is something we should all do more of - whatever you do, I hope you make good use of those extra vacations days. In the US, the more senior the role you play at work, the more difficult it can get to schedule any time off but my impressions are that Europeans fare better in protecting their well-earned time-off than Americans are.
ReplyDeleteApparently Kris growing veg is getting more popular over growing ornamental plants. Not sure about the actual statistics but even if true I suspect it's just a temporary trend. Both are here to stay of course but I suspect the trend will shift again. It's possible the same is happenning there.
DeleteThere's a bit more legislations in place to protect time off on workforce here I believe. Eventually we'll be able to take them all, just tricky at the moment...
Trying on a couple of new "sweaters" is a good thing. A few new events keeps things fresh and I look forward to seeing your new adventures. You're not planning to drop Hampton Court, please? It's my favorite. Potatoes in the city? Try the farmer's market and save the space for ornamental plants and a few fresh herbs.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Shirley and funny enough I said exactly the same about a potato fair in the middle of a city, London too of all places when land is scarce and precious with little space to grow anything. I suppose there is the publicity aspect of course...
DeleteI sure hear you on this Mark.. I always went out to the Mendocino Coast in October (someplace you ought to see some day by the way ) and skipped last year. Have skipped Santa Barbara for two years, and Monterey as well. 2015 is a blank slate so far. Good to step outside the box...
ReplyDeleteIndeed Kathy :) and we'd love to see Mendocino Coast someday. So many places, so little time...
DeleteHi Mark, I think that it is good to break a tradition once in a while, because it can become a mechanic routine, and then it is not so enjoyable anymore. I am also a person who gets easily bored and need a change sometimes even from the in "general good things".
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Christina
Indeed Christina. Having a break from traditions can freshen up the experience when revisited later. Perhaps reinforce it even more :)
DeleteYou can always resume a missed tradition if you find that you miss it or consider it a lovely memory of the past if you enjoy your new traditions & explorations more. I've no doubt that whatever you do, wherever you go, you'll find fab plants to post about and make us all envious!
ReplyDeleteHehe I like the way you've put it Peter :) so many options out there. The only thing is that plant fairs tend to be like buses, none for awhile then all arrive at the same time...
DeleteChange is exciting, and like the Outlaw wrote there will always be fabulous plants! Might you be thinking of a West Coast USA trip with those extra days?
ReplyDeleteIndeed Loree :) a visit to West Coast is still on the cards and we're hoping we'll be able to manage to put it in this year. Cross fingers!
DeleteHello Mark and Gaz,
ReplyDeleteWe know what you mean about breaking routines and, perhaps, rather like you, we tend to mix the familiar with the new. There is something wonderfully reassuring and satisfying about revisiting favourite places, Cottesbrooke would be definitely on our list. The garden is so interesting and full of ideas, far more so than the house, and, coupled with a Plant Fair, this is a winner of a destination.
We know that you obtain plants from them, but a visit to Crug Farm Plants we always found fascinating. They have such an amazing plant collection. We shall certainly be revisiting Beth Chatto's Garden at Elmstead Market this year as she is close to our new house and if you have never visited, then we should definitely suggest this as a possible new adventure for you. Whatever, have fun!
Thanks for the recommendations Jane and Lance as funny enough both Crug Farm and Beth Chatto's garden are two places we haven't been to yet, and we ought to really!
DeleteI dont have gardening traditions apart from Malvern show and even that I am dithering about ths year. I find myself easily drawn into doing things because I did it the year before but I think that isnt good as you loose the excitement and interest. Like Jessica I am going to less and less of the big plant fairs prefer instead to buy from local nurseries and specialist event although I am lucky in having so many close to me.
ReplyDeleteBy going to new places at different times of the year you discover more.
Who knows I might not even bother with Chelsea this year!!
That's true Helen, by going to different places and having variety you discover more :) I think this year will mainly be a play it by ear one, lots of impromptu visits most likely too
DeleteThis past year or so has been so full of new experiences (most of which have been wonderful) that I like to think of the entire year as a new direction. Hell - we even skipped Christmas, and everyone was on board with it! It was so nice... Right now, change feels really good. I'm sure you will have some wonderful new adventures with everything you have to choose from. Enjoy the ride!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds all exciting Anna, and even skipping Christmas! Your sense of thrill and changes certainly reverberates to us :)
DeleteDo you grow exotic fruit or veg (eg Japanese ginger, or wasabi)? Or is it just a 'plantsman's' garden?
ReplyDeleteMainly a plantsmans garden Alexandra but we have the odd edible fruit bearing ones like figs, kiwi, grape, etc :)
DeleteThere is nothing wrong with having a change of scene in the places you go, the people you see, or the people you live with. It's part of the process of gaining a discerning taste :-) Please do not take it too far and start to grow Roses (again). xx
ReplyDeleteLol! We'll try our best although I think we have two roses already in the garden Don :)
DeleteSometimes it's refreshing to have a gap year or two before returning to events that you've regularly attended before. Our main show tradition has been to visit Malvern either in the spring or autumn but we missed out completely last year. I hope that we will return in the future. From what I've been reading about the RHS Show it sounds as if it is slowly moving away from what it was, not necessarily itself a bad thing, but sad for some.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Anna and you may find that of you do return to Malvern it'll be a fresh experience again :) have heard mixed reviews about the show but I suppose the RHS adapting to times is a good thing.
DeleteI think you should start a new tradition by coming to California :-)
ReplyDeleteWe'd love to Gerhard :))
Delete