Gardening Scotland

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Gardening Scotland for those of you who do not already know is our version of Chelsea. Lots of Growers come from all over GB to participate and I even managed to practise my french conversation on a French trading group. They were selling rachet cutters for cutting branches. Obviously the thicker the branch the heavier the cost but it was interesting seeing it. I was helping out on the Scottish Gardeners Forum from 12.30pm to 3.30pm so I arrived early to be sure I would see the show before it got too busy. I had downloaded a map and headed straight for Plantagogo. Vicky was still at the hotel catching up on paperwork but her hubby soon sorted me out at their Heuchera stand. I bought 3 new plants for my collection. I got Southern Comfort, Strawberry Candy and Lime Marmalade. Before I came home I returned to pick up my goodies and splashed out on a Fire Chief. The weather gradually got less people friendly and pretty wet but later it faired up again. In spite of the rain the SGA pallet competition was a big attraction. I tried to photograph as many as possible of the exhibits but I was there to talk to people not as a photographer so I did not get all of them. The imagination and thought that goes in to some of these exhibits is a credit to the teachers and pupils alike. Some of the competitors also have grandparents on hand to help with practical knowledge. Many schools run gardening clubs. I think one of the furthest travelled pallets came from The Island of Seil which is off the west coast of Scotland near Oban. Others were from all over Scotland and some were local to Edinburgh. Jim Dickson who is responsible for running the competition soon becomes a trusted friend to those who participate. If there are any schools or groups out there interested in participating have a look at the web site and send Jim an email. He will get back to you. Dobbies were sponsoring the event and provided sustantial prizes for the winning entries but as one teacher said it is not about winning, it is about participating. The groups choose their own theme which usually relates to something happening within their group. Enjoy the metre cube spaces and see what happened when juniors took on the challenge. Adult groups and societies also have their classes.
The first two photos are of Vicky1 s’ Gold Medal winning stand.Congratulations Vicky.
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• 7 Jun, 2010
• 4 likes

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