Last Saturday, David and I went along to the Edible Garden Show at Alexandra Palace. I must admit I'm not usually one for visiting shows, but I'm making lots of changes to my own garden this year and so I thought I could pick up some tips and ideas. I also guessed that it wouldn't be a very large show and we could see it all in a morning - which was perfect because it was such a beautifully warm, sunny day. A day to be outside in the garden, in fact!
Alexandra Palace is worth a visit alone. I hadn't been there for well over twenty years, and enjoyed seeing all the architectural detail again. Originally built in 1873, it has been damaged by fires since and so it has been restored, destroyed and restored again...
We arrived soon after the show opened, so it wasn't very crowded. I headed straight away for the stands selling wildflower seeds and it was interesting to see on one stand the different wildflower seeds sold for different soil types (I have heavy clay here). I bought some seeds to suit my soil that are also bee and butterfly friendly and I'll sow these in small patches around the smallholding (now I'm no longer going to create my mini-meadow). I also bought some wildflower seeds to plant with my veg that will attract beneficial insects and keep aphids away (hopefully).
Of course I had to visit all the bee-keeping and bee-product stands, too..
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| Traditional Skep Making |
I was intrigued by the different types of honey on sale, because I'd like to flavour my honey in the future. I might add some vanilla or ginger or various spices, for example. So I was on the look-out to see what other people are producing and get some ideas. I haven't had a good honey crop for the last couple of years so I'm hoping for one this year - and then I can have a go at some of the different tastes. I think it would be really fun to do.
In certain areas of the show, there were presentations by TV/radio gardeners and professionals, but I didn't listen to any of these. None of the subjects they were discussing really drew me in and, to be honest, after a while it started to get a bit stuffy in the main hall. It was better to keep moving around. So we wandered over to look at some of the gardening equipment and features. We love working with wood and there were some wood products on display, but it wasn't really a show for wood craftspeople. I was fascinated, though, by some of the many ideas for growing food and flowers in small areas like balconies and courtyard gardens and tiny, urban spaces.
After this, I managed to resist temptation...
...so I didn't leave with any plants. But I couldn't walk by the chickens and ducks without having a good look. Should I add another couple of hens to my girls? Probably not - I have enough for now and they're happy together in their little group. It was interesting, though, seeing the different types for when I do decide to buy some more. And of course the chicks and ducklings were all adorable (see first photo).
So; that was the morning done. I bought some honey-flavoured fudge from one of the food stands and then we left. Although I enjoyed the visit, I'm not thinking of going again. But then, perhaps I do miss something by not going to the different garden shows. If you have any experiences of them, I'd love to hear. Are any of them unmissable?
Hi Wendy, gosh, the little chick is so adorable! It reminds me that Easter is right around the corner and it is time to bring the Easter decoration out! I have never heard of flavored honey, but it sounds like a cool thing to do and could taste delicious. Please, let us know how yours is turning out. First of all I wish you that you get a good crop of honey this year, of course. You don't seemed to be too excited about the show. I have to say that I envy you Brits about all the great garden and flower show that you are having each year. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteChristina
My neighbour produces flavoured honey and she's been very generous and given me different flavours to try. She has dozens of beehives, though - so she's guaranteed a good crop of honey every year. I would only be able to produce a small amount with mine- but I'm keen to try it all the same!
DeleteThe chicks reminded me of Easter, too - especially as it was such a lovely spring day outside. Thanks Christina - have a good week, too!
Ah, I know what you mean about large shows like this, I have never really enjoyed them, I get so weary. I much prefer smaller local events and shows. I don't know how you managed not to buy any plants...well done, it's always so tempting to go mad and buy all sorts of things. Alexandra Palace looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI agree about preferring the smaller shows to the larger ones. I prefer village fetes, too. I think just trying to move through the crowds in the larger shows becomes a bit much, although I must admit the crowds weren't too bad on Saturday.
DeleteAlthough I didn't buy any plants - I did buy more wildflower seeds than I intended to! Thanks Suzie.
It sounds wonderful,I'd like to attend the show one year but it will take a bit of planning with it being so far away.
ReplyDeleteThis is when I'm fortunate living close to London, Joanne. Usually it's not great at all living so close - but in this situation it does mean I can go up for a show or exhibition and visit in a few hours.
DeleteThank you for the share .
ReplyDeleteI definitely would have loved to have been there !
There was certainly lots to see, Willow!
DeleteWe went to Hampton Court Flower show last year, for the first time. A very enjoyable day but I`m not in any hurry to go again. I`m just as happy getting inspiration from smaller Open Gardens or from NT gardens.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered about Hampton Court Flower show, although being the other side of London it would be more of a trip for me. I think I would probably find it too large and busy, although I'd be always be interested to hear other people's reports of it. I completely agree about getting more inspiration from real gardens than from a show.
DeleteI don't attend many shows but the ones I do attend are held at the beginning of the year, when there is little to do in the garden. Have only attended the Scottish Gardening Show once, kind of our equivalent to Chelsea and found it a rather expensive day out with very little to show for my money. I much prefer to spend my time wandering around good quality nurseries at different times of the year.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you there, Angie. I would rather spend my money at a good nursery than at a show. Everything does tend to be more overpriced at the shows. I think you're right about visiting early in the year, too - I couldn't help thinking at the show on Saturday that I was indoors missing a glorious day outside!
DeleteMany of these shows are very costly to enter which I tend to rationalise in my mind by thinking that I would rather have spent the money on some plants. Being a member of the NT, like Dartford Warbler above, I often get my plants from them. I came home from Cornwall/Devon with a pot of NT bright blue sweet peas which I am looking forward to seeing bought for £1.
ReplyDeleteGosh! bee skeps suddenly seem be in vogue. First day of April tomorrow and mine is going out into the wall.
I think that's true about the entrance fees, Rosemary, because add on the cost of the rail fares to the show - and that would have bought several plants! The NT gardens are so much better and I've bought plants from there, too, after seeing how lovely they look growing outside.
DeleteI look forward to seeing your skep in place!
Glad that you had a nice time. I haven't been to a garden show for many years, but we are going to one later this year, so I will no doubt write about it on my blog, so I'll let you know how it goes!! xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the show, Amy and I look forward to reading about it!
DeleteIt looks like an interesting show, I'd have been fascinated by the skep making. I've been to one or two specialist plant fairs. Years ago I went with a couple of friends on a bus trip to Hatfield House Flower show, it was very crowded I remember and we enjoyed looking around the house and gardens more than the actual show:)
ReplyDeleteI love watching craftspeople at work, especially when they are experts at a traditional craft - like skep making. Of course this is dying craft, too - so it is very special to see it.
DeleteThat's interesting about your trip to the Hatfield House Flower show - I think I'd be the same, I would have to have a good look around the house and grounds, even if it meant less time in the show!
Sounds like it was a good show - I went to one or two last year but it isn't really my kind of thing - all designed to take your money from you and always tiring trudging round. The honey sounded interesting - I get through quite a lot - my friend always brings me Greek honey back from her holidays - the last jar had walnuts in it - ooer!
ReplyDeleteI think the expense and the trudging around in crowds would be two of the main reasons why I don't go to many shows. I certainly couldn't spend all day at one. But we did get to the show on Saturday very early, so it was so much better visiting stands alone and moving around more freely.
DeleteThe Greek honey sounds very interesting. I don't think there's any end to the different flavours I could add to mine - from spices to the very sweet (like chocolate or toffee honey)
It sounds as though you had a good time. There are times I wish I lived nearer all these wonderful shows, but then I have to be realistic, I can't walk as far as I used to and the last time I went to Hampton court it almost finished me off!! So although I enjoy the shows, I think maybe we see more of the big ones on TV.
ReplyDeleteThere was certainly some interesting things to see there and we have come away with some ideas - which was the purpose of going. But I think you're right about watching the big shows on TV - especially when they can show the viewer a garden or stand without the crowds. If you're there it can often mean standing about two or three people deep to get a glimpse of anything! I don't think I'd ever be tempted to go to Chelsea, it looks the busiest show of all!
DeleteI love the little chick in your first photo - has reminded me that it will soon be Easter! The show looks very interesting - I've never been to one of the larger Flower/Gardening shows just smaller local ones. Alexandra Palace looks beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get a better supply of honey this year. I've not heard of flavoured ones but will keep an eye out when I next go to a farmer's market or shop. I always try and stock up on local honey when I visit NT properties.
Alexandra palace was a fascinating backdrop to the show and of course it's high up on a hill, so right outside there are some fantastic views over London. It was a bit hazy on Saturday, but I imagine you could probably pick out some famous landmarks.
DeleteI'm going to spend this summer thinking about the various flavours I can add to the honey. I'm looking forward to doing plenty of sampling, too - to see what I think!
I think we probably share an antipathy to these kinds of shows and exhibitions. I find them exhausting on the whole so tend to stay away. The county shows are fun in the summer- we manage about one every ten years! I'd rather wander round a garden centre :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, I've no plans to go to any other shows this year. I used to go to our local country show but again it just gets too crowded (our county show stopped years ago) One or two things are worth seeing at the country show each year, but otherwise it does tend to be the same kind of things there. I prefer village fetes, there's something really friendly and fun about them.
DeleteAwww i love chicks! Since moving away from my parents i haven't been able to have chucks but the temptation is so strong when I visit fur and feather auctions (who do I do it to myself) and country shows.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic show! I hope to get to a few this year
Miss Tulip x
The Thrifty Magpies Nest
Hello Jennifer. The chicks were very cute, but I must admit I've never raised any with my chickens (we had a cockerel for a while). I did raise goslings, though - they were adorable but I did worry about whether they would survive. Fortunately they did, but we have enough geese now so there won't be any more!
DeleteI love the wall flowers in sacks, how original, might try that in the bijou garden.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Hello Briony. They did look lovely - and such a good idea. I love wallflowers, they are one of my favourite flowers.
DeleteAlexandra Palace looks amazing. I too have been to Hampton Court Flower Show,we did enjoy it and it was an experience but I prefer like many others who have commented on more local and smaller shows which feel closer to real gardens. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI think that's exactly right, Sarah, the smaller shows do feel closer to real gardens. The larger shows tend to have ideal gardens rather than the sort of garden I can actually think of achieving! I imagine being at Hampton Court Palace is special anyway, such a lovely place to visit.
DeleteIt sounds like a really interesting day out. I'd have loved to see the bee display as well, and the cihckens. I've never been to a garden show, but I'd love to try one one day.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really know what to expect there. I suppose I did think I'd see more examples of permaculture gardening, and perhaps more self-sufficiency ideas, but it was interesting seeing all the exhibits. We did see some things that, instead of buying, we'll try to make/produce ourselves!
DeleteI hadn't realised Alexandra Palace had been restored-I need to catch up big time. I wish Canada had more gardens open to the public. Vancouver Island does have a garden route which is pretty good but it has the potential to be so much more.
ReplyDeleteApparently it was opened again after the last big fire in 1980s. It certainly seems to have been restored with plenty of care. That's interesting about Canada, I imagine you could have gardens open with some really stunning background scenery there.
DeleteI used to go to them all, Malvern (the best), Hampton Court, Gardeners World, but they are all too far away now. The cost of entrance and petrol is stupid, so the last couple of years I've just gone to local plant fairs and nurseries. The plants are cheaper there too.
ReplyDeleteYou must have a good sense of the different shows, Jessica, from your visits to them. But I can see that a long drive would be off-putting. It look us just about an hour and a half (each way) to get there and I thought that was long enough. And that's true about costs - as I agreed with Rosemary the money spent on a day like this could also have been spent on plants!
DeleteSounds like a great day - that little chick is adorable! Flavouring your honey sounds like a fun idea :)
ReplyDeleteThe chicks and ducklings certainly drew in a crowd! I can't imagine I'll flavour much of my honey, but I might try a couple of new things a year - and see which is best!
DeleteHoo, I love anything like this, would have loved to have seen this.....
ReplyDeleteI headed straight for anything to do with wildflowers, woodcarving, chickens and bees! There were some exhibits on encouraging wildlife into the garden that were interesting, too.
DeleteI used to live at the base of the hill on which Alexandra Palace stands with a tiny garden that backed onto it. It was really lovely to see it again - thank you. What a really interesting exhibition too!
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting, Em. I noticed the lovely large park (or grounds) that Alexandra Palace was set in and it was full of bird song on Saturday. I think I saw that there is an enclosure for deer, too. And of course on the hill there is that terrific view over London.
DeleteAlexandra Palace does look interesting for sure and wow....such variety, bravo for not being tempted to buy anything, I'm the sucker who always ends up with something or other, usually something I don't need!
ReplyDeleteOoooohhh.....I do like the idea of different flavoured honey, I don't take sugar in my tea and have always used honey, let's hope you get a good batch this year!
I doubt I could have resisted the chick!!! xxx
Well I did buy some wildflower seeds - but apart from that I resisted anything else!
DeleteI love the idea of replacing sugar (in many things) with honey. I have some honey from last year but I could do with a bumper year this year - I always have many people asking for it and hate to disappoint. I'm hoping it's third year lucky (after two not-so-good years).
The chicks were so sweet - I could watch them for hours!
I'm not sure I have ever been to a garden show. The one we have here every year is expensive so I have stayed away. I've always enjoyed taking the kids to the farm store to see the chicks and ducklings. They are so cute and the kids seem content to look but not touch. I hope you have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAs you can probably guess, Stacy, the chicks and ducklings at the show were surrounded by children! I have different size garden shows within a day-trip from me, but I think this is the first large show I've ever been to. I've been to a few plant fairs, though, looking for bargains.
DeleteLooks as though you had a wonderful time, and came back with lots of inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWe like to see things on sale that we can make and produce ourselves without spending much money! But I could have bought a lot more wildflower seeds, even though I'm not sure I have the space to sow them all!
DeleteIt sounds you enjoyed this show after all Wendy but I am not a fan of garden shows either, too crowded. In our country I almost never visit garden shows but in England I once visited the Hampton Court Flower show, quite an experience.
ReplyDeleteI had to arrive at this show when it opened to be ahead of the crowds. I wouldn't have wanted to arrive at mid-day when it was so much busier. It's nice to be able to talk to the exhibitors then before they have too many people around them. Hampton Court Flower show does sound interesting, but I'll just enjoy hearing other people's reports, rather than go myself!
DeleteI've never been to a garden show. The shows around here tend to be more focused on interior design and landscaping. But it does look like fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting about your local shows, Tammy. I liked the focus on gardening with wildlife at this show and also as the 'edible' show, it was fascinating looking the different ways that a garden can produce food - from keeping bees (and honey) to growing edible flowers.
DeleteHonye fudge sounds rather yummy! I'm not very good with shows, I get tired and then the crowds really get to me. Though I did love the RHS Malvern Show, it was quite small really, very unpretentious, and full of wonderful spring plants and planting ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe honey fudge was delicious, Janet - but then I do love honey (or honeycomb)added to sweet things! I have got the impression that the Malvern show is one of the best of the shows. I like the sound of it still being relatively small and closer to everyday gardening. It would be too far for me to travel for a day trip, though.
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