Something in the Air (Con)

Another star feature of my room in this splendid hotel is that my it is above the air-con farm.

It runs 24/7, but thanks to high quality double glazing, only a low hum is noticeable, and then only at night.

The real upside is that that I cannot hear the slight buzzing of tinnitus... (see here)

Vegging out

Classy hotel this. Nothing left to chance.

All I need now is some dirty veg.

The Chelsea Cabbage Show

There is a backstage 'best garden' competition for Chelsea production folk. Last year Herb won a Silver medal for his Safety Garden. This year's brief required "Innovation, Sustainability (liquid) and the inclusion (this year only) of fantastic creatures OTHER THAN GNOMES (which the judges feel have been rather overdone)" 

The Brief

Again the garden was inspired by Herb whose cabbage plants provided the central theme.

The Banner

The Blurb

The Brassicas


The Bait (and sustainability element)

The water feature
(just incase we had misunderstood 'Sustainability (liquid)' in the brief)

The Fantastic Creature*

However the display of edibles needed some context and Simon demonstrated a surprising ability to source and arrange a wide range of plants, props and materials to show the garden off in style.

The Flower Arranger / Scrounger assesses the display

Herb waits for the judges.

The judges arrive...

...assess...

...and take the bait.

Due to work of a very important nature we missed the awards ceremony but managed to grab this quick shot of the judges deciding what to do next. We imagine the ceremony included words to the effect that...

"...the Gold goes to The Cabbage Garden"
[cheers, applause etc from the vanquished competitors]

The Medal

The Cabbage Garden in all its splendour

Result!

*The Fantastic Creature: The person who actually leaves the office when the fire alarm goes off.

Chelsea Flower Show - History of the wheelbarrow...

In the early days, before mechanical handling, rocks and other gardeny things were manhandled and carried in wheelbarrows which were carved from solid oak and weighed a couple of tons when empty.

Wheelbarrows have progressed since then. Four early iterations are shown here, with their principal usurper lurking in the background.  

An alternative view of the same thing...

This is a hybrid barrow from John Deere.

And here are some more...

I'm bored now... can I stop? 

[Yes - Ed.]

Chelsea Odd One Out Competition /2

Fabulous Prizes to be Won

Answers in the comment box below

Chelsea Gnome Show - Little and Large

Gnome fever continues with the unveiling of the 100th anniversary commemorative sculpture.

A Gnaurd of Honour

The media appeared more interested in the little people than the large sculpture.

The law of unintended consequences is alive a well in SW3

Gnomestonbury Flower Show

Gnomestonbury. 

Michael Eavis blags his way into
Chelsea Flower Show.

This is the first time in 100 years that this disguise could work.