Gardener's World Live

Click on any of the thumbnails to enlarge

The NEC was a very enjoyable place to be, even on a hot Saturday with hundreds of other people. The people on the stalls and stands were smiling and very willing to answer questions even from amateurs like myself. Maybe the mini heatwave after all the wet weather we have had recently had something to do with the happy atmosphere.

Here are a few photographs of the show gardens. At least at the NEC most of the plots were similar in size to my back garden and you didn't dismiss an idea that you liked because it would look out of place in a small garden or it wouldn't have the same effect.

A Secret Garden - Who would have thought that a plant the size of a gunnera would look OK in a small estate-like garden?

This garden was called Amaranthis, is that the name of the dragon or a plant? I wouldn't mind a dragon like this in my garden?

Come Rain or Shine - The mirror on the right was brilliant, it looked as if the garden went on forever. Just imagine it, all (well most) jobs in the garden finished, a good book, your favourite drink and nothing or no-one to disturb that moment of peace!

It's A Jungle Out There - I liked this one for all the quirky bits of humour in it, one bit, like the baby elephant we didn't even notice until we saw the picture on the computer screen at home.

Time Lords & Time For Bed - I still can't decide whether I like it. It doesn't invite you in and make you want to stay like "Time For Bed" which, as long as you don't think about the insects in it, looks like a very warm, cosy and aromatic place to snuggle into.

Some Smaller Show Gardens - The Elements, Sunflower Street, The Retreat, Ferrous And Foliage, Lock, Stock and Barrel, and The Piered Pool were all good in their own ways.

The Constructed Gardens - These are the two gardens designed and constructed in the first two days of show. I did like bits in both gardens but one was 'in your face' and the other looked bland, the contrast wouldn't have been so noticeable if they hadn't been next to each other.

Paradise - Step onto the sand and you were in paradise, all that was lacking was the sound of the sea gently splashing on the shore. This picture is the result of mergeing three photos.

Here is a close up view of the waterfall from the Paradise garden. The flowers on the plant to the left of the picture look like the heads of tropical birds.

A selection of photographs from some of the numerous stands and displays.