RHS Malvern

The telephone went on a Saturday morning in November. Rob basaton asked 'would you do the stand at malvern in May?' adding persuasively ' we will help and guide you'.   So we agreed, trusting the group would do as aways and help us out. We decided on the theme of recycling.

The summer house that had been blown down several years ago was cannibalised to make the side panels, and, with a new pitched roof made from old wood and felt, it became a new smaller version of the original house. We managed to find old glass and even suitable curtains for the windows.

Logs from Wales formed the log pile for the hedgehogs with a length of rainpipe made from odd wood from the garage.   A teapot from the charity shop made an excellent robin’s nest, screwed into the summerhouse.   the bench seat was two large logs and an old builder’s plank on top.   We loaded a Dolly tup for a rainwater butt and and old Edwardian wheelbarrow; all had to be transported to makervery , courtesy of Rob and Jean.

The plants came from several members; we managed to get them into the flower for the show by taking them in and out of the greenhouse, jsut as you see with the growers at chelsea.   Three lartge baker’s trays of herbs, onions, peas, radishes, beans of all types lettuce, beetroot and rhubarb and then three-foot tomato plants all helped to form the typical Cottage Garden.

Sunday propr to the show we took the caravan loaded with plants, returning that evening. then back to Malvernon Monday with loaded card a trailer to start the build-up.   Tuesday we laid turf, herringhone brick path etc. Wednesday was the fun but: ladies arranging and displaying plants, gents helping with the lifting and carrying.

The four-day show was a great success and we were delighted to get the fourth price. Thanks to all who helped and made this possible.

David Lloyd, West Midlands and Warwickshire Group