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SEPTEMBER
With just over a week to go to the National, some of my blooms were
starting to go over. So rather than waste the opportunity, a quick email
to Ian Williams of the Welsh area. An entry for the cut bloom classes in
the 6, 3 & 1 (A) were entered into
the show at Swansea. Again I was more than happy with my blooms
(B
&C). The trainee judge Terry Tasker was more dressed for the
part this time (D).
Although again my blooms were just past there best I was
happy with the size. Now with less than a week left to the National
(E),
the number of plants left was dwindling quickly. My timing even with the
cool conditions was a little over zealous. It was now down to just 1
more day to go and guess what, yes the sun came out to play 80°f.
(F). Well I tried to keep some of the
blooms cooler by standing them outside (G)
but really it was just a token gesture, most of the blooms were on the
edge anyway. With only about 25 plants that were able to look through I
knew my hopes had gone to really be able to stage anything worth while.
On the morning of the show it was a rather more dignified hour of waking
up to cut blooms, but for some reason I didn't seem to get that buzz,
whether this was because my blooms were not up to scratch I'm not sure.
With all blooms cut and boxed I was on the road by 7-30. I had an idea as to
what to expect on arrival, due to the Swansea show being also staged at
a garden centre and my thoughts on that for a regional show was ok, only
problem would be on a very windy day with heavy rain, which could cause
a few problems. So after no major incidents involving swearing at the
sat nav I missed the entrance and had to travel a mile or so to enable
to turn round, I arrived at Blooms garden centre. As I parked up the sun
came out so it was a quick look to see where to go. Back to get my
blooms out of the car, there was a lack of space to stage blooms or even
to get round the tables. But being gentlemen we managed to get by. Luckily 1 or 2 people were a bit late as they had trouble finding the
garden centre. Blooms all up & ready it was now down to the judges.
(H). There was time to look at the
other exhibitors boards Ralph Trinder's
board (I)
looked like he had some impressive blooms, so to did Bob Bryce
(J). Dave Coates
(K) John Chiswell
(L) George Hawkins (M)
and my own board (N) made up the 6
entrants. The species & foliage was well supported
(O) and I always look for something that catches my eye
and it was this one (P) and I'm
sorry to say all I can say for sure is it is a begonia.
Congratulations went to Dave Coates on winning the 12 board,
6 & a few others (Q,R). Also have to
mention the bureau manned by some strange folk
(S). I have plenty of pictures but am unable to put names next
to exhibits as I had to get back home due to an early start on the
Sunday for my holiday to the south of France indulging in sitting in the
sunshine with a few drinks thinking of you all and planning for next years
assault.
My show season is now over and it is back
to domestic chores and mowing the lawn
(T).
Just to finish one last trip & the longest so far. One
for the long nights to reveal my last trip..(U).
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