RHS Tatton Show

As always, organising a CGS display at a major RHS flower show brings its problems; certainly it is not a good idea to have a hip replacement just a couple of weeks beforehand, as it definitely slows you down!

Many meetings and much paperwork took place before build-up day on the 19th July, but we were finally there, with plants ready to build the display.   After a slight panic that we could not set up on the allocated site, we swapped with the Pteridological Society to a place that allowed our beautiful backdrop, paninted by Margaret Norris, to be displayed.   The swap caused a few problems as the smaller site meant helpers had only a tiny space to sant behind the table display and we were also in a very windy spot, next to the fire exit.   Papers flew everywhere and set up was hindered by wind and torrential rain, whic resulted in the marquee resembling a bog garden with rivulets running through it!

The garden was designed by Liz Glithero and both she and her partner, James Stein, did all the hard landscaping on site, setting up the archway, the tiled path and their home-made willow fencing.   Glenna goodwin, with advice from Jean and Liz, worked on the plant loyout, while David Toyne spent many hours ensuring all the plants had labels.   Meanwhile Caroline, having created a splendid information section, then had to spend most of her time trying to persuade the papers to stay where they were placed!

The display was finished just in time for the judges to do their work on tuesday afternoon and we were delighted when they awarded us a Silver gilt medal.   Once more our stand created a lot of interest from visitors and resulted in sixty or so new members joining the Society.

Particular thanks must go to the Grosvenor Garden Centre, who supplied plants at cost price; the CGS members who provided plants, particularly Glyn Hughes and Roger Taylor for the vegetales; Colin Roscoe for loading, delivering and unloading enormous quantities of plants and helping with the construction work; and the members who manned the stand: Jean roscoe (with new hip!) and CAroline Harcourt; also to Glenna Goodwin, Liz Glithero and for much assistance from David Toyne, James Stein and hugely, again, to Margaret for the wonderful backdrop.

Jean Roscoe