Royal Horticultural Shows Vincent Square 2007

Pictures here

Well what can I say, We were invited several weeks ago to put an exhibit into the Westminster Halls in London by the RHS. This was a great honour and the culmination of several years hard work to put our hellebores on the map . Where else could this be done - only at one of the Royal Horticultural Societies flower shows.

It was therefore with  great anticipation that we loaded the lorry with our pride and joy and prepared to set forth.... at least this was how we thought it would be......WRONG!!!

We were due to start off for London on Saturday morning but as is always the case with best laid plans they never quite come off. We of course had not anticipated six inches of snow on the Friday. To give our staff credit they all struggled to get here to load up the wagon and as the snow got heavier and heavier they constantly refused to go home before the job was done. I must admit to feeling a sense of great pride at the loyalty of them all and I would like to thank them for such a tremendous effort, well above the call of duty. As the last plant went in to the back of the lorry and the shutters came down everyone made a hasty retreat.... unfortunately it was too late and all were marooned at the nursery with no hope of getting their vehicles home. So off they set on foot. Several hours later home was just about in sight for most. A day to remember.

The worst bit of it all was that it might all have been for nothing, the lorry was going nowhere and at 3 p.m. it was still snowing and showed little hope of stopping. It did eventually abate and promptly froze.

So here we were on Saturday morning snowed in. The sun was shining on us though in more ways than one, out it came and by 11 a.m it had melted sufficiently for us to sally forth. A sleepless night and nervous morning resolved.

The rest as they say is history, we arrived after a smooth uneventful journey, set up on Sunday, fiddled around with the display all day Monday, changed a few plants early Tuesday before the judges came in and retired at 9.45 a.m. for the inevitable decision. the result exceeded our wildest expectations ..........

Gold on our first attempt.

I would like to thank everyone for their help and understanding...

First and foremost the load up 'Mob'  I was as proud as I have ever been by their selfless effort. From the youngest to the oldest I could never have done it without every one of them. So thanks Ange, Jeanette, Karen, Kev, Sand, Simon, Matt and Mez

Secondly to the buildup and transport crew who had to put up with grumpy old me changing everything round every five minutes.  Thanks Haze, Jack and Stew (and your wonderful Kids ,Charlie and Megan)

Thirdly to the RHS for offering us a place, making us so welcome, helping us out and putting up with all our mess which I am sure didn't go un noticed. We did brush up afterwards - honest.

And finally all the other exhibitors who made us so welcome and gave us numerous tips and bits of advice. Thanks also to any one I have left off.

Pictures of our Gold medal winning display.

The theme was 'The Romantic Garden'

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