I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening ceremony of the 2007 Southport Flower Show yesterday.
There was a bit of rain around in the morning, but these days there is so much going on under canvas that the rotten August weather is really only an inconvenience rather than a block on enjoying one of the real highlights of the Merseyside calendar.
It was the first time I had been to the flower show for a couple of years, and every time I do attend it is noticeable that it seems just that bit bigger and better than the time before.
This year the theme is music, and it was fun to see two beautiful indoor gardens entered by the botanical teams of Sefton and Liverpool councils, side by side in the competition and both opting for a Beatles theme.
They were both wonderful pieces of work, but I thought Sefton just had the edge, incorporating an Octopus's Garden and a zebra crossing a la Abbey Road. I'd love to hear what you think.
There are a dizzying array of gardens, plants and flowers to see, but our own highlight - and I have to admit we are pushovers for dogs - was the dog display staged in the main arena. Watching the brave, clever dogs performing feats of agility and courage, and absolutely loving the chance to show off, would bring a smile to the sternest face.
The festival is also a magnet for hundreds of traders and stalls, offering wonderful plants and seeds for sale, all sorts of farm produce, and everything from Bentley cars to bargain designer sweaters. My other half was very impressed and gave the Switch card some serious exercise.
If you are remotely interested in flowers or gardening, or indeed if you are in the mood for some serious retail therapy, the Southport Flower Show is a fantastic day out.
Don't let the weather put you off. It didn't spoil our fun, and I'm sure it won't spoil yours.
They have a clever idea for next year's theme, by the way. European Capital of Horticulture, 2008. Don't great ideas seem simple, once someone has thought of them?
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
Richard Price wrote...
Your wife bought a Bentley on a Switch card?!?!?!?!!!
They must pay you well sir!
Posted by: Richard Price | August 29, 2007 1:13 PM