To Chelsea and beyond

Well Chelsea was a ball and as usual we had a really packed day trying to see all the gardens, meet people we knew, spot the celebs and make notes on all the new varieties being launched.

Our trip down didn't start too well - we were thrown off the train at Crewe - no not because I behaved badly - because it broke down. Not a good start and was this going to be a bad omen! No, we got another train, then when I looked out of the window at Stafford station I was a bit alarmed to see the attempt at decoration on the platform - see pic of rather sad looking foilage - obviously not a lot of gardeners here then. So onward to the big smoke and the big day.

What to wear? Is it going to rain, blow a gale, turn out hot and sultry or just hot? Trying to work out the variables of clothing so that you are comfortable and basically best able to do your job is always difficult. We make the usual mad dash to get into the press tent to obtain a locker, always a boon as you don't want to spend the day humping around a load of leaflets and press releases.

The gardens are magical and it is really difficult to start picking out your favourites they are all so good this year. I run into Cleve West in the Great Pavilion and also find Mrs Bucket's brother-in-law Onslow, (Geoffrey Hughes) who is obviously into plants. Once again Chris Beardshaw produces a garden to die for, his tribute to Hidcote is sensational - we are all gutted it didn't get a gold.

Rolf Harris has got 'painty' shoes and he confesses that they are so comfortable he just can't part with them - they look cute. Perhaps he could start a new fashion.

We all get shoved to one side as the King and Queen of Sweden make an appearance - in awe - I have never been that close to a King and Queen although I have been close to one in waiting!
Press behave badly as they are wont to do on these occasions with much shoving and elbows in ribs - I am unperturbed - I don't have to take photos!

It starts to rain so it is time to get back into the Great Pavilion. Over to David Austin to see their fabulous new roses launched at the show - just loved Munstead Wood named after Gertrude Jekyll's garden. What a stunning colour, light crimson in bud and then deep velvety crimson when open. Wow! Also liked Princess Alexandra of Kent, soft pink - delightful.

Julian Desborough from Timesonline, presents Emma with a rather natty bag he picked up - this has redeemed him after his failure to buy us ice creams at last year's Hampton Court - well in Julian.

It has become an annual ritual that we head for the Hillier stand for their launch. Andy McIndoe wins another Gold medal and makes it Hilliers 62nd! What a stand, always stunning but this year once again just out of this world. Hilliers always serve Green & Blacks Chocolate with their Champers - what joy - once again we are suitably impressed!

I sidestep another rugby scrum who are trying to photograph Joanna Lumley and walk into some sort of dancing people - can't join in with a walking stick - so move around them and feast my eyes on the colourful Jamaica Hort.Soc stand - brill.

The rain has stopped so out we go again - time passes very quickly at Chelsea and it is soon time to go home. Another great year, another great Show - amazing standards of horticulture, loads of ideas - lots of nice people to meet. Now its time to plan for Hampton Court and it all starts all over again!!!