Chelsea Flower Show 2013: Products & Ideas

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is the second year the Chelsea Flower Show</div><div style="text-align: center;">has housed the Artists Retreat Section</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- one of my favorite areas -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Designers are invited to decorate a summerhouse,</div><div style="text-align: center;">creating inspirational hideaways</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swoon on, my friends...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoKqf5lch_Ju9pBjg5hOCUey9lL6iteI-B_5FQ4qPNYATgaCQqDeLmhpSwe52yXV_Q4K0-tSdWNjhyphenhyphenUGIBuCgkJ9Mblx1hiKol53spGdXQsXDo1L_R2Nd9hx8YTnzopF2_ODkk6WDlrL6/s1600/DSC05925-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoKqf5lch_Ju9pBjg5hOCUey9lL6iteI-B_5FQ4qPNYATgaCQqDeLmhpSwe52yXV_Q4K0-tSdWNjhyphenhyphenUGIBuCgkJ9Mblx1hiKol53spGdXQsXDo1L_R2Nd9hx8YTnzopF2_ODkk6WDlrL6/s640/DSC05925-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mowing path is so creative!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A quintessential English brand,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Cath Kidston retreat</div><div style="text-align: center;">featured handmade paper roses</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's take a peek inside the shack,<br />shall we?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF6XeTXE8hX8G72tJBVIHFQfcw5PmN8AYsqeAM17UA2nEgGOpU-8WBeNvKjCDhPf5LH73hk_FmvMPU7pezrboZiwfs89taAQLlzVTRxWk6A0ReXKZbnX-1LwyFRaemcFejzVkZvHfWNpO/s1600/DSC05927-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF6XeTXE8hX8G72tJBVIHFQfcw5PmN8AYsqeAM17UA2nEgGOpU-8WBeNvKjCDhPf5LH73hk_FmvMPU7pezrboZiwfs89taAQLlzVTRxWk6A0ReXKZbnX-1LwyFRaemcFejzVkZvHfWNpO/s640/DSC05927-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Across the way, I met Rob Ryan in his workshop retreat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genuinely, I have been a huge fan of his work for years</div><div style="text-align: center;">so it was a real thrill to meet him<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKLxBRK1hUn5CGvOnZump4xta6ns2rKvi_LSXZLapt_dCgZO9jAehVkYDa3DLh7mASqQF-lCCJ474x9XUxTaqE27FhTSWjIVmPe_TdA2mTjzGQJQTwIfk68laoF0UYk9xJ4Fa0c_R-1M8/s1600/DSC05937-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKLxBRK1hUn5CGvOnZump4xta6ns2rKvi_LSXZLapt_dCgZO9jAehVkYDa3DLh7mASqQF-lCCJ474x9XUxTaqE27FhTSWjIVmPe_TdA2mTjzGQJQTwIfk68laoF0UYk9xJ4Fa0c_R-1M8/s640/DSC05937-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a background in print making,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rob now is known for his papercut art (laser and by hand)</div><div style="text-align: center;">and poetry-like sayings that sweetly speak to the heart</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Transferred onto ceramics and textiles,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can find his products online and in some of the coolest stores</div><div style="text-align: center;">(including Liberty)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grabbing things from his real workshop,</div><div style="text-align: center;">here's a limited look at his show retreat<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwELTn7oQsO-E7-nR3stnDPcNd1NhGwKLsubeq7AzNBHnd0NZ_R_SaH0UflmIBCRid4v63-OCtAFliUtPJEV1mEQmoYH-23huAnLQxiJqh_MXxfZZIvkzEplmcPphERCAC_B3cJqz5P-tX/s1600/DSC05942-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwELTn7oQsO-E7-nR3stnDPcNd1NhGwKLsubeq7AzNBHnd0NZ_R_SaH0UflmIBCRid4v63-OCtAFliUtPJEV1mEQmoYH-23huAnLQxiJqh_MXxfZZIvkzEplmcPphERCAC_B3cJqz5P-tX/s640/DSC05942-013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A space that oozes creativity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving away from the Artisan Retreats,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought this was a clever peat-free compost alternative</div><div style="text-align: center;">made of wool and bracken from the Lake District<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthX1OJRKLZnP9VqAQzV4rdv5MXoL97RYc3KrKdJ_6APM_5YBGXG7fCQXd0q7J2vCETyJ1fc3cs4WGc0GXKkboxut8eMX0jssiAiPLUvV1PMwWjWdS9DuMRLAMzrxREtlLyknzhSL0zvA/s1600/DSC05919-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthX1OJRKLZnP9VqAQzV4rdv5MXoL97RYc3KrKdJ_6APM_5YBGXG7fCQXd0q7J2vCETyJ1fc3cs4WGc0GXKkboxut8eMX0jssiAiPLUvV1PMwWjWdS9DuMRLAMzrxREtlLyknzhSL0zvA/s400/DSC05919-002.JPG" width="272" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And how about an upside down lampshade<br />as a decorative potting sleeve?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxvi9xIJGLyZ0SAsM_k9dxysXsiv6wpXxkMJJBEayQ7zCRsKSFBTvF1sy0Ox704PnLbbrzUx7zPgxHibyU54DkEWOFSvMmQMPplP8KeaiDkhZyL2T1bfP6OO5mAplqF4aUNIxV7zUpG49/s1600/DSC06185-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxvi9xIJGLyZ0SAsM_k9dxysXsiv6wpXxkMJJBEayQ7zCRsKSFBTvF1sy0Ox704PnLbbrzUx7zPgxHibyU54DkEWOFSvMmQMPplP8KeaiDkhZyL2T1bfP6OO5mAplqF4aUNIxV7zUpG49/s640/DSC06185-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />or an old boot?<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MNYTOw5KZdWG-x7dBrUqt24j4UizqGaIgDDopxu-A0eiEMIbkjMoVkbCOjLZZKR4JNR2BCCrlBf4eojCSp3eUjP7CclQ50969s4q14pCe9Fj3QeFn-wfaR1CwEh4XPAKGavb9C53um7K/s1600/DSC06139-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MNYTOw5KZdWG-x7dBrUqt24j4UizqGaIgDDopxu-A0eiEMIbkjMoVkbCOjLZZKR4JNR2BCCrlBf4eojCSp3eUjP7CclQ50969s4q14pCe9Fj3QeFn-wfaR1CwEh4XPAKGavb9C53um7K/s640/DSC06139-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Muir exhibit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Typically, 'coloured mythical creatures' are banned from the show,<br />but this year the ban was lifted for charity<br /><br />I think gnomes are having a bit of a comeback,<br />for I spied a few at the show<br /><br />Look at this cutie<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqPg77dlIC3WPSVG_SygiwjTM7Jim1v5lw82mxCBkSi2Sq_qwapmvUf0opc24CfxYptx-l3l_C5PROT_pSfLURNSozctJsgsk-m7ZMA1zyvH9eqrrLjCSKCCab1Im6DF39_-pOqiwO-BM/s1600/DSC06182-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqPg77dlIC3WPSVG_SygiwjTM7Jim1v5lw82mxCBkSi2Sq_qwapmvUf0opc24CfxYptx-l3l_C5PROT_pSfLURNSozctJsgsk-m7ZMA1zyvH9eqrrLjCSKCCab1Im6DF39_-pOqiwO-BM/s640/DSC06182-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of Reading exhibit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The University of Reading<br />was promoting the concept of<br />'A New Millawnium' (clever)<br /><br />With proper planting,<br />it is possible to have a full flowering, grass-free lawn<br />requiring mowing just 3x/year<br /><br />Goodness me,<br />can you imagine, lawn gardening?!<br />My, how beautiful<br /><br />Ideal for roundabouts and small yards with light foot traffic,<br />I can see how this could be possible<br />with nonaggressive clovers, yarrows, buttercups,<br />English Daisies, violets, and more<br /><br />According to the university,<br />medieval paintings indicate lawns of the past were flowered<br />while grassy lawns were for jousting tournaments<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFSu7S4SeHTuYhO57nKnVfuBG6uCM4i884A8b-KYPAsxopkqZR6v2ZpDdSHRIggE0cWCwHH0Iobiz4Ra5FmwgOmIHfefcLoSuJHCqcMrkzRV1zT-VGRGo2R6DddsC15E4ORUCx_O7kwzb/s1600/DSC05946-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFSu7S4SeHTuYhO57nKnVfuBG6uCM4i884A8b-KYPAsxopkqZR6v2ZpDdSHRIggE0cWCwHH0Iobiz4Ra5FmwgOmIHfefcLoSuJHCqcMrkzRV1zT-VGRGo2R6DddsC15E4ORUCx_O7kwzb/s640/DSC05946-003.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pippa Small's retreat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Alrighty, I think that pretty much covers it :)<br /><br />I hope you found some inspiration over the last few days<br />through the series<br /><br />It has been an absolute pleasure -<br />can't you just see me twirling in a meadow of flowers right now?!<br /><br /><i>'But yet still inside you there will never be a shortage </i><br /><i>to the amount of love that your heart can grow...</i><br /><i>until it finally blossoms and its flowers cover the whole world'</i><br /><i>-Rob Ryan</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. A few of you have asked about how to buy tickets in the future. I order my tickets online in December/January for the May show - they sell out each year but it varies as to when. RHS Members can purchase tickets for Tuesday (when flowers are looking their freshest), and the public can buy tickets for Wed - Sat. Buy tickets through the RHS website <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/">here</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More 2013 Chelsea Flower Show Posts:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-gardens.html">The Garden</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-press-day.html">Press Day!</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Chelsea Flower Show 2013: Products & Ideas

This is the second year the Chelsea Flower Show has housed the Artists Retreat Section - one of my favorite areas - Designers are invited to...

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Chelsea Flower Show 2013: The Gardens

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">So I quickly learned that on Press Day </div><div style="text-align: center;">the international media</div><div style="text-align: center;">is mostly there for the celebrities</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">which was good news for me as</div><div style="text-align: center;">the garden designers were hanging around their installments, ready to chat :)<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVHKr18J8WM7Rvb-McEawMAHD86oj54ELXcFktLoTuookD-FaHfr7TxqiXdIWUEmll1PL0pydzt46EsIYC3OkCxtU5o-kiSHylXTzUWnBvdDkyYvDi6h9wkrpl0nra5cP-I8df8cGmuCJ/s1600/DSC06168-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVHKr18J8WM7Rvb-McEawMAHD86oj54ELXcFktLoTuookD-FaHfr7TxqiXdIWUEmll1PL0pydzt46EsIYC3OkCxtU5o-kiSHylXTzUWnBvdDkyYvDi6h9wkrpl0nra5cP-I8df8cGmuCJ/s640/DSC06168-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birmingham City Council exhibit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here were my top picks...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'A Hebridean Weaver's Garden'<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ffFpEXLk-J2lWMLHETuBdgV4cH7eeGdqcABTsM7aSk2hAuE_CnkHpYFBVfnmtkjFkZAFeDWHCFhNKZX2B9fWeo1ANFdYNO-zjUl8849t__oE5s6yXVgB1NyMs2tGVr1etAtIrXx9V9A2/s1600/DSC05968-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ffFpEXLk-J2lWMLHETuBdgV4cH7eeGdqcABTsM7aSk2hAuE_CnkHpYFBVfnmtkjFkZAFeDWHCFhNKZX2B9fWeo1ANFdYNO-zjUl8849t__oE5s6yXVgB1NyMs2tGVr1etAtIrXx9V9A2/s640/DSC05968-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To be set in the 1950's on the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this installment shows the traditional making of Harris Tweed</div><div style="text-align: center;">with hand dyed and hand spun wool</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the crooked tree you would see on the islands due to high winds?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the little brook and</div><div style="text-align: center;">the traditional blackhouse with its aerodynamic roof line and rocks to hold it down </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original theme and attention to detail are magnificent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another favorite was</div><div style="text-align: center;">'The Garden Of Magical Childhood'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Raise your hand if you'd like to see this in your backyard :)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjJnMTpZ8E6nruaOdI9uxQvkkrlhyphenhyphenfZHAMHVaPqsORCfIpnx6km8Tw00JO1Ft1U1XtJakcJQPCzFknQojCEwvKz-L5v0HJKJSn2Ti5wVYxdMhw_qEiq1Kvs2dPQ8XWa9IkPsZeZ3w6f0o/s1600/DSC05988-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjJnMTpZ8E6nruaOdI9uxQvkkrlhyphenhyphenfZHAMHVaPqsORCfIpnx6km8Tw00JO1Ft1U1XtJakcJQPCzFknQojCEwvKz-L5v0HJKJSn2Ti5wVYxdMhw_qEiq1Kvs2dPQ8XWa9IkPsZeZ3w6f0o/s640/DSC05988-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So loving those wooden mushrooms and </div><div style="text-align: center;">the little pond in the grass with hand painted wishes on rocks</div><div style="text-align: center;">- so sweet -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The garden depicts a tea party taking place under a tree house,</div><div style="text-align: center;">designed to encourage viewers to reflect on the preciousness of childhood</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike the Show Gardens section,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Artisan Garden designers cannot excavate</div><div style="text-align: center;">so they placed a horse chestnut tree in the middle of the fort</div><div style="text-align: center;">and built the slope around it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ivy growing up the tree house was planted first </div><div style="text-align: center;">to give it time to grow and look more natural</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think any child would love to spend a few hours in this lovely spot</div><div style="text-align: center;">and this magical retreat looks like it has been there forever</div><div style="text-align: center;">(which is tricky with only 5 days to put it together)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As to the only flower requiring guards,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Lady's Slipper orchid was hiding in the corner at</div><div style="text-align: center;">Le Jardin De Yorkshire<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ukJy11TYYF3BOmXtKkInZUOmCqvqhdb5tQAyAW09tkmVUPKg8VhPfZ4BJ-WdLDmqbniV2ac2lSd4S8WGuQMZnHxvvxg58i-ELTSrXSgnrJdYAl2UailT5hfQLFFDFsIVU2UZWDCx9zAe/s1600/DSC06080-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ukJy11TYYF3BOmXtKkInZUOmCqvqhdb5tQAyAW09tkmVUPKg8VhPfZ4BJ-WdLDmqbniV2ac2lSd4S8WGuQMZnHxvvxg58i-ELTSrXSgnrJdYAl2UailT5hfQLFFDFsIVU2UZWDCx9zAe/s640/DSC06080-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This beauty is a success story of scientists at Kew Gardens </div><div style="text-align: center;">bringing this girl back from the brink of extinction</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The orchid continues to be the rarest wildflower in Britain</div><div style="text-align: center;">and is being reintroduced in the north of England, including Yorkshire</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like the Chelsea Flower Show,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Tour de France is celebrating its 100th year too</div><div style="text-align: center;">and teamed up with Welcome To Yorkshire</div><div style="text-align: center;">to promote the Tour de France riding through Yorkshire next summer</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOiaP1ltcPt0KNQ_QmnWvVRhlkA1dg3LYJ9NbIATHc_oL8Kb7UbZd6mWvpRkP7kx14RL3q7tZ9mEVA8g5w7hgQSJxyP-RXOkCqsKNUP2H61mUYEpyCgpFw6pT46sh3ZYrjV1d-Ug2zhns/s1600/DSC06082-0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOiaP1ltcPt0KNQ_QmnWvVRhlkA1dg3LYJ9NbIATHc_oL8Kb7UbZd6mWvpRkP7kx14RL3q7tZ9mEVA8g5w7hgQSJxyP-RXOkCqsKNUP2H61mUYEpyCgpFw6pT46sh3ZYrjV1d-Ug2zhns/s640/DSC06082-0012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two guards protect orchid (see arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's now go inside the Great Pavilion,</div><div style="text-align: center;">where I was particularly taken by the unusual hanging amaryllis display</div><div style="text-align: center;">by W.S. Warmenhoven (Holland)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lL3VECfSLEzQuWQZqrznPNje6V2Ygzink4Deuxw7pO9bbRz-2YU0DezGbWybQh3bqLSdVHgjCldKNWW-BJwzTTgqAdd0PmBc_5NwXyfbCfkQ5_Bo54qQHOnv4-tZoA1BrqYahaMNqdhn/s1600/DSC06121-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lL3VECfSLEzQuWQZqrznPNje6V2Ygzink4Deuxw7pO9bbRz-2YU0DezGbWybQh3bqLSdVHgjCldKNWW-BJwzTTgqAdd0PmBc_5NwXyfbCfkQ5_Bo54qQHOnv4-tZoA1BrqYahaMNqdhn/s640/DSC06121-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Attached with metal cuffs and secured with wires,</div><div style="text-align: center;">these hollow amaryllis stems will be hand watered just one more time this week</div><div style="text-align: center;">from above</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't this be a fun idea for a wedding or garden fete?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And for something really different,</div><div style="text-align: center;">check out this red poppy from China</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> - Meconopsis punicea -</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">which is related to the gorgeous and rare blue poppy</div><div style="text-align: center;">(seen in background)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WDEW3VuyZgV4WZJbHeFXjATL0SaRc7D8jjz8mf4lkpOdPCa_ew7YOADZfFiPtJp_iV4PwVzZ7fu3Ch8eGO8cfLwi2JHpSaKaM2yCyEWEtM0ZFC8zELtuSMylnEtehHmxP39EJx-v0x3h/s1600/DSC06176-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WDEW3VuyZgV4WZJbHeFXjATL0SaRc7D8jjz8mf4lkpOdPCa_ew7YOADZfFiPtJp_iV4PwVzZ7fu3Ch8eGO8cfLwi2JHpSaKaM2yCyEWEtM0ZFC8zELtuSMylnEtehHmxP39EJx-v0x3h/s640/DSC06176-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But wait, there's more!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm just getting warmed up :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out this carefully excavated apple tree<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjqwXIQpjpzYxeuOm3gVaH1UhwgHyGfrRbSTzQ-e0WNxnGAWAKu2Sk6cLasS_PLtqi43ZUT4Pl4iIUJWug3QgJuif2F6rExWo-0166WfIYp4ZSBTcxiseTGEDnpHVrJvEghlhBIdGfuBo/s1600/DSC06178-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjqwXIQpjpzYxeuOm3gVaH1UhwgHyGfrRbSTzQ-e0WNxnGAWAKu2Sk6cLasS_PLtqi43ZUT4Pl4iIUJWug3QgJuif2F6rExWo-0166WfIYp4ZSBTcxiseTGEDnpHVrJvEghlhBIdGfuBo/s640/DSC06178-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And as always, a stunning display of orchids</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Thailand's Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMws6WVfTVGIW_PadDig8ZPfMCE5ym9ly6T-2QPOh3Z79aFmRIO-M2aujOijjhVYf6H2rEYif7gc50i5V0XrapbPkPjDWuCloiVizwW-cXdQeSgDuJkftC0bxNR5J9i9Eud5Q6EKKnsfu/s1600/DSC06160-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMws6WVfTVGIW_PadDig8ZPfMCE5ym9ly6T-2QPOh3Z79aFmRIO-M2aujOijjhVYf6H2rEYif7gc50i5V0XrapbPkPjDWuCloiVizwW-cXdQeSgDuJkftC0bxNR5J9i9Eud5Q6EKKnsfu/s640/DSC06160-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working with 50,000 orchids, lots of Oasis and wire </div><div style="text-align: center;">this amazing display came together</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the help of fifteen people over five days</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nearby, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Paignton Zoo showed their version of past and future gardening</div><div style="text-align: center;">A classic English garden on the left contrasts with an artificial biome on the right</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At Paignton Zoo in Devon, crops are grown hydroponically (soil-free) onsite to feed the animals</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sounding futuristic, trays of crops are placed on conveyor belts to sunlight and feeding stations<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIfBRCWJiDgv4q0I_0h6trkxxsKNBXVp0Kc0QUY1vQGM8UP6onvApoKR_GFjPyXZdav4fTO_h6uZrtpFBhTu_EiBZyfL_5184eUaM19M0eq7wzrPnlcdepJDtQOwoVUnzP9ursgVPO3_l/s1600/DSC06127-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIfBRCWJiDgv4q0I_0h6trkxxsKNBXVp0Kc0QUY1vQGM8UP6onvApoKR_GFjPyXZdav4fTO_h6uZrtpFBhTu_EiBZyfL_5184eUaM19M0eq7wzrPnlcdepJDtQOwoVUnzP9ursgVPO3_l/s640/DSC06127-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But for me, here was the show-stopper...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This dress!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUkLt7LnlHqRBGZv_Zul1T5potiWlMrGIz_y4tOoU3xUR5fiH3erCgWeFgIJxFWYt3QlDRfaLytf7qGZ0Jrg3aZhITa-63MQFait3qg3i4edZIwOTPrCp_yq6RNdLMqoqWat4hHvZBl9a/s1600/DSC06019-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUkLt7LnlHqRBGZv_Zul1T5potiWlMrGIz_y4tOoU3xUR5fiH3erCgWeFgIJxFWYt3QlDRfaLytf7qGZ0Jrg3aZhITa-63MQFait3qg3i4edZIwOTPrCp_yq6RNdLMqoqWat4hHvZBl9a/s640/DSC06019-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just look at the exquisite detail,</div><div style="text-align: center;">made from fresh flowers, foliage and ferns</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So dreamy<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5cwc7jaOYD0QbqZAZDsO2uO_dDsq43apmYNON9JZxoMsxgCFFngNOP5R8403TG_STp51BqWChWJRF4y87u9kdwe-YLFfPnUth7R-abXNhaHcixtkfgZel4e6UmpguF9VbB9RC1Dm0T9V/s1600/DSC06036-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5cwc7jaOYD0QbqZAZDsO2uO_dDsq43apmYNON9JZxoMsxgCFFngNOP5R8403TG_STp51BqWChWJRF4y87u9kdwe-YLFfPnUth7R-abXNhaHcixtkfgZel4e6UmpguF9VbB9RC1Dm0T9V/s640/DSC06036-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, I will let your floral heart have a rest</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such deliciousness, no?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagHumO2D2aob42wzuvZwCRujkXM9mmZBU2T24FiUzg8X3yxKC90SvYRpesRrrJ1LIwmG5qDKQSOzOYOKgfPBWBvyIAhrR1Qsh1j83BiK39TVeDlx4eI59tizHXBlkg6bJm8hu0vLxe-wO/s1600/DSC06042-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagHumO2D2aob42wzuvZwCRujkXM9mmZBU2T24FiUzg8X3yxKC90SvYRpesRrrJ1LIwmG5qDKQSOzOYOKgfPBWBvyIAhrR1Qsh1j83BiK39TVeDlx4eI59tizHXBlkg6bJm8hu0vLxe-wO/s640/DSC06042-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have one more Chelsea post coming your way soon</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't miss it :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- photos by me -</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More 2013 Chelsea Flower Show posts:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-press-day.html">Press Day!</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-products-ideas.html">Products & Ideas</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Chelsea Flower Show 2013: The Gardens

So I quickly learned that on Press Day  the international media is mostly there for the celebrities which was good news for me as the garden...

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Chelsea Flower Show 2013: Press Day!

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">In January I applied for a press pass</div><div style="text-align: center;">for the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcmZudlvLtc5qPlIPVZ_dXsfGrb-PenjKgCFj7kmVypkZhyvW_H51TihDzPiNCH-wqgPajxdHUeopgOzkYJyTIss9YJFTaCoU4AVkMPoaU_NFTbJdJ7UWNE6EBQ_TL5UrkM5X2Jq6jo08/s1600/DSC05905-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcmZudlvLtc5qPlIPVZ_dXsfGrb-PenjKgCFj7kmVypkZhyvW_H51TihDzPiNCH-wqgPajxdHUeopgOzkYJyTIss9YJFTaCoU4AVkMPoaU_NFTbJdJ7UWNE6EBQ_TL5UrkM5X2Jq6jo08/s400/DSC05905-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to submit previous Chelsea Flower Show articles I had written</div><div style="text-align: center;">(fortunately I had covered it for the last two years on my blog)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And my request was approved in March</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was an unforgettable day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here, pull up a chair :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bee-lined it to the Press Tent to collect the 'Photocall Schedule'</div><div style="text-align: center;">which listed where celebrities would be at appointed times for photo ops</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It had me running around the grounds like a scavenger hunt - too fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First I saw Emilia Fox at Prince Harry's</div><div style="text-align: center;">B&Q Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KIAClfdd-Gj8f9n9m9LBDvDCk35wGXRxetuZze0SHMVfTN40__1kylbI3bodhWXC3h1eAB4p1sS1c5j_QFpopt-Qyj1W-8HhmMlUWPjGSsh3_BcsiktQejxIaLBND8YOCvajyfqeX2gj/s1600/DSC06000-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KIAClfdd-Gj8f9n9m9LBDvDCk35wGXRxetuZze0SHMVfTN40__1kylbI3bodhWXC3h1eAB4p1sS1c5j_QFpopt-Qyj1W-8HhmMlUWPjGSsh3_BcsiktQejxIaLBND8YOCvajyfqeX2gj/s640/DSC06000-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">then Dame Helen Mirren at the Burncoose stand in the Great Pavilion<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADgWHSGLyUxMYZ_jI1qQWmaN5GtFiec2sAKDLJYaDMvDim0MRQAaajfEXnB1KSVgocYvk3zJvPRIWMxo9LSZFc_VV_pBAlY9b8RK-KWyHEqV31-yrqhv5m1bbvFDxTVptq63nmR82Gw-I/s1600/DSC06047-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADgWHSGLyUxMYZ_jI1qQWmaN5GtFiec2sAKDLJYaDMvDim0MRQAaajfEXnB1KSVgocYvk3zJvPRIWMxo9LSZFc_VV_pBAlY9b8RK-KWyHEqV31-yrqhv5m1bbvFDxTVptq63nmR82Gw-I/s640/DSC06047-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAtveWAO8TmEL5zwJ-z6Paa6CWRptCW4yIPP3nEDpEmTf5ekqBWWBL47VZDtXIDLh9C1uLUk7E3bLPSKavQncqlj6NlPkXgB3cOHvafsACTXDWLglOJjapeyUqTQG0T6lqjqsrjMOK_IK/s1600/DSC06054-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAtveWAO8TmEL5zwJ-z6Paa6CWRptCW4yIPP3nEDpEmTf5ekqBWWBL47VZDtXIDLh9C1uLUk7E3bLPSKavQncqlj6NlPkXgB3cOHvafsACTXDWLglOJjapeyUqTQG0T6lqjqsrjMOK_IK/s640/DSC06054-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">followed by Ringo Starr opening the WaterAid Garden<br />with his wife Barbara Bach</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx15DpRPmEE4FQ8N9hjerRfeDeK0Rf9Dm5UtAi0EVwFZyfyt_H1N-UykOlafOnikvIPrYVtcB3PQbKSekLXcBb8CGgN8NSrgjdfvMUYmo1dbfF1cNo_65hdhGePEpPfgLEiRELLCo0enS/s1600/DSC06078-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx15DpRPmEE4FQ8N9hjerRfeDeK0Rf9Dm5UtAi0EVwFZyfyt_H1N-UykOlafOnikvIPrYVtcB3PQbKSekLXcBb8CGgN8NSrgjdfvMUYmo1dbfF1cNo_65hdhGePEpPfgLEiRELLCo0enS/s640/DSC06078-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I missed Helena Bonham Carter by a few minutes<br />at the 'As Nature Intended' garden</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of local celebrities were walking around</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a photographer would ask them if s/he could take their photo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx4xKMXY4XBtNd3Gk3t3JZBG_c77obo8yJGOPPcOCl3AcMHLbnCiGqFSTPzekc1qalojB9v5rzYnGo585-_2C55L18i3_h1TQA0DCK8iDaRIGmFPYaYpmmRxaaIKI0cNmRuv9vDtL6TkA/s1600/DSC06192-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx4xKMXY4XBtNd3Gk3t3JZBG_c77obo8yJGOPPcOCl3AcMHLbnCiGqFSTPzekc1qalojB9v5rzYnGo585-_2C55L18i3_h1TQA0DCK8iDaRIGmFPYaYpmmRxaaIKI0cNmRuv9vDtL6TkA/s640/DSC06192-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My friend, Suzy, is my garden partner-in-crime </div><div style="text-align: center;">She usually accompanies me on most of my gardening shoots</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we've always gone to the show together in the past</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year we were separated as I had a solo press pass,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and she worked the gala event at the show just a few hours after I'd left</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although Prince Harry didn't turn up for 'my' Press Day yesterday, </div><div style="text-align: center;">he did show up at 'Suzy's' gala event last night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KnGin3nX5zcclH3faoCNn2pPwD2Zk-USt3MFP0pviFRmP0_Ix4VHtoFwdshenlRAXf7g1-JYYzISMz68n8dXAC9AECoCLV9TAy7Oa_a5saKv0eQz3xZ8P693Nrodbzqs_DhfoZKOPOA8/s1600/photo-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KnGin3nX5zcclH3faoCNn2pPwD2Zk-USt3MFP0pviFRmP0_Ix4VHtoFwdshenlRAXf7g1-JYYzISMz68n8dXAC9AECoCLV9TAy7Oa_a5saKv0eQz3xZ8P693Nrodbzqs_DhfoZKOPOA8/s640/photo-001.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden designer Jinny Blom with Camilla, Prince Charles, Prince Harry<br />at B&Q Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL5f88dDR5RUUvZwS9oWL8wxisQul9iu8IREeeFySifgQzcQSmzF3CZZGtga0KJ171s9BdWG1oBcPLK0hpB2Q4buWkq9JBv7nrUEID7yarIvV3aawBHshaeSlGE4QtuqjPqd0xSIFrXJ9/s1600/photo+(1)a-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL5f88dDR5RUUvZwS9oWL8wxisQul9iu8IREeeFySifgQzcQSmzF3CZZGtga0KJ171s9BdWG1oBcPLK0hpB2Q4buWkq9JBv7nrUEID7yarIvV3aawBHshaeSlGE4QtuqjPqd0xSIFrXJ9/s640/photo+(1)a-001.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen looking lovely in lavender</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prince Harry teamed with B&Q to highlight his charity, Sentebale,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which cares for vulnerable children affected by HIV in Lesotho</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Prince Harry did his gap year in Lesotho)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Jinny Blom not only designed this garden,<br />but also designed the 'Healing Garden' with Prince Charles<br />for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to show you more gardens<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watch for my next post ;)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos 1-6 by me </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 & 8 by Suzy Wood -</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More 2013 Chelsea Flower Show Posts:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-gardens.html">The Gardens</a></span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-products-ideas.html" style="font-size: small;">Products & Ideas</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Chelsea Flower Show 2013: Press Day!

In January I applied for a press pass for the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show I had to submit previous Chelsea Flower Show articles I had writt...

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Reporting From The Chelsea Flower Show...

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am off to the Chelsea Flower Show tomorrow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating its 100th anniversary,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the grandest flower show on earth is this week</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtlYkw9OillTiVcmlNuquNM5qQrxRESrjvE6W4B1YjOObF2bVoguyFPbUhW3suOAhdn0XtUOH5Hy0KdX2f6HGldr2vrI-cB8kzvPCtCAMlMGJO6hEmZ2wvJ9o_XMKJOIj5AFqNuAWetNS/s1600/IMG_2119-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtlYkw9OillTiVcmlNuquNM5qQrxRESrjvE6W4B1YjOObF2bVoguyFPbUhW3suOAhdn0XtUOH5Hy0KdX2f6HGldr2vrI-cB8kzvPCtCAMlMGJO6hEmZ2wvJ9o_XMKJOIj5AFqNuAWetNS/s640/IMG_2119-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from last year)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Armed with a press pass in hand for the private 'celebrity day',</div><div style="text-align: center;">I may catch a glimpse of Prince Harry due to his involvement </div><div style="text-align: center;">in Sentebale's 'Forget Me Not' Garden</div><div style="text-align: center;">and who knows who else I'll see :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is speculated that due to Prince Harry's participation,</div><div style="text-align: center;">tickets sold out in record time this year</div><div style="text-align: center;">and scalpers are asking a whopping £500 per ticket</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm excited to view the Lady's Slipper, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Britain's rarest orchid, which has security surrounding it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there are sure to be stunning and innovate installments</div><div style="text-align: center;">which never disappoint year after year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to share it all with you :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned over the next couple of days</div><div style="text-align: center;">for unforgettableness :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- photo by me -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/10036597/Prince-Harry-makes-interest-in-Chelsea-Flower-Show-bloom.html">The Telegraph</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">More Chelsea Flower Show 2013 posts:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-press-day.html">Press Day!</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chelsea-flower-show-2013-gardens.html">The Gardens</a></span></div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Reporting From The Chelsea Flower Show...

I am off to the Chelsea Flower Show tomorrow Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the grandest flower show on earth is this week (photo from l...

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To Do London: Jamie Oliver Cooking Class

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jamie Oliver has taken the world by storm</div><div style="text-align: center;">with his cookbooks, television shows, and products</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Passionate about improving the quality of food in schools,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he also is excited about his cooking classes offered</div><div style="text-align: center;">in his Recipease cafes/storefronts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- two London locations, one in Brighton -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1Rxlx671dGQ0CZ_DTKuCOP6lqRHLqOkIzv4Lwx6kERfVoTLxOLomD6crg6Kjb_VIv2EAxY8jzHjVXPIrtmsqMKLApayCFJVN-9q4zi0Z_yOGlN4yYwt9xSjgPkWDFBErDiSniNcAVbyu/s1600/photo+(11)-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1Rxlx671dGQ0CZ_DTKuCOP6lqRHLqOkIzv4Lwx6kERfVoTLxOLomD6crg6Kjb_VIv2EAxY8jzHjVXPIrtmsqMKLApayCFJVN-9q4zi0Z_yOGlN4yYwt9xSjgPkWDFBErDiSniNcAVbyu/s640/photo+(11)-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We selected the Vietnamese Street Food class </div><div style="text-align: center;">which lasted 1.5 hours</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this gorgeous venue</div><div style="text-align: center;">we prepared our meal from scratch </div><div style="text-align: center;">with an interesting blend of fresh ingredients</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what we made</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yKJ7F6OGAV6PDddz6zmAV1ot56UUhEZrVcKVirKHUeQazNEGePVZJLV1tDtVNT8O-205gu6ug08_EMq-4QXGkAngaijwJkMzGkDsJaEOU3CUOdnQODPTU57d-KKPoMc74a5-JKJ2QW9S/s1600/lesson-viet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yKJ7F6OGAV6PDddz6zmAV1ot56UUhEZrVcKVirKHUeQazNEGePVZJLV1tDtVNT8O-205gu6ug08_EMq-4QXGkAngaijwJkMzGkDsJaEOU3CUOdnQODPTU57d-KKPoMc74a5-JKJ2QW9S/s640/lesson-viet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Photo from Recipease website]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only was the food delicious,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but the vibe was really fun</div><div style="text-align: center;">all under the guidance of a professional chef</div><div style="text-align: center;">(not Jamie, unfortunately)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With many menus from which to choose,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be back to <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipease/lessons/">Recipease</a> to whip up some more yummy dinner ideas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">First photo by me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

To Do London: Jamie Oliver Cooking Class

Jamie Oliver has taken the world by storm with his cookbooks, television shows, and products Passionate about improving the quality of food ...

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English Bluebell Beauties

<div style="text-align: center;">Growing in ancient forests,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the bluebells are at their peak right now</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A breathtaking blue mist<br />carpeting the forest floor...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx44ZU1YQoBsA0VcUdiViFigs2ZQ_02Ws6zBoS-7TWL5W_o0alFuEEiNzUSC7zuOA35BuYqOGX9HhzIdwupg9r5BtcgYPQDYwAYaUNwKcDWTG2oVELnuK_OzEN2eN0iOo2C2nKky9Bfb5y/s1600/DSC05718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx44ZU1YQoBsA0VcUdiViFigs2ZQ_02Ws6zBoS-7TWL5W_o0alFuEEiNzUSC7zuOA35BuYqOGX9HhzIdwupg9r5BtcgYPQDYwAYaUNwKcDWTG2oVELnuK_OzEN2eN0iOo2C2nKky9Bfb5y/s640/DSC05718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The English bluebell is a protected species</div><div style="text-align: center;">found happily growing in ancient woodlands</div><div style="text-align: center;">and particularly fond of blooming under beech trees</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And it is well known fact they attract little fairies :)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOsp8bRtA6mF9V2Qkawt0sJQn72i-KemHdX4jh4ltn_5Z3uFTHAv0gNEmDGVvDirFoBrtLUZMv_fyAyHTnnemOpMqHg2P2mGBcIMP1HbPZHqW4inFuWUgHUGOZqTK-UIP4kxagBeeAhp7/s1600/DSC_0095-074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOsp8bRtA6mF9V2Qkawt0sJQn72i-KemHdX4jh4ltn_5Z3uFTHAv0gNEmDGVvDirFoBrtLUZMv_fyAyHTnnemOpMqHg2P2mGBcIMP1HbPZHqW4inFuWUgHUGOZqTK-UIP4kxagBeeAhp7/s640/DSC_0095-074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">English bluebells have a graceful curve to their stalks </div><div style="text-align: center;">due to the weight of their flowers lying on the same side of the stalk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spanish bluebells are more upright, mainly in gardens, and tend to be more invasive<br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQzDpl-okR4IMh-Q-BwHnQ1thDO5rnnVgEumJDaBqZ5BHMSGbrOFrRE8JOnJmKbnB1ZtbeAjnvmNlOQXQzeDZ2EaJHRorzMiVlgW9rFYrX9TVDzvJY2az65ulYqFJo5dbePTGJe53DWPC/s1600/DSC05682-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQzDpl-okR4IMh-Q-BwHnQ1thDO5rnnVgEumJDaBqZ5BHMSGbrOFrRE8JOnJmKbnB1ZtbeAjnvmNlOQXQzeDZ2EaJHRorzMiVlgW9rFYrX9TVDzvJY2az65ulYqFJo5dbePTGJe53DWPC/s640/DSC05682-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This year was the first time I'd seen these girls under a cloudless sky,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and, my, how they emitted the most heavenly sweet scent </div><div style="text-align: center;">released by the warmth of sunlight<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0QyhYm97XUhq54M8ASz1600phrRx0pHDGVvXCJrujMhTPljA8erkBPSHjpmfZNS3PXow_x3QLHapDZXpEIsaN_XdaBlM7DWuCWGDVtqpMf_h51eu_xe8sI4BxjtUKOLEZT3abjP2sH6c/s1600/DSC05713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0QyhYm97XUhq54M8ASz1600phrRx0pHDGVvXCJrujMhTPljA8erkBPSHjpmfZNS3PXow_x3QLHapDZXpEIsaN_XdaBlM7DWuCWGDVtqpMf_h51eu_xe8sI4BxjtUKOLEZT3abjP2sH6c/s640/DSC05713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With half the bluebell population residing in Britain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you may not need to travel far to drink in all this deliciousness</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Glug, glug :)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

English Bluebell Beauties

Growing in ancient forests, the bluebells are at their peak right now A breathtaking blue mist carpeting the forest floor... The English blu...

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The Polo Season

<div style="text-align: center;">Savoring local sports, </div><div style="text-align: center;">we made our way</div><div style="text-align: center;">to a polo match</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYd1CPWlYhQrKuxjWGNi2KF1TRCPUWqoA8BxQVXqFUzLDt2uTEc593PjHLa9o9a36ntNH_FZRWr1fwzSsRz1ylrWGLK6bskgn4gRlw3hV1YsQUdaihjjwZrSdR_Ea0PLRNA2L9YGm1u3/s1600/IMG_0073-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmYd1CPWlYhQrKuxjWGNi2KF1TRCPUWqoA8BxQVXqFUzLDt2uTEc593PjHLa9o9a36ntNH_FZRWr1fwzSsRz1ylrWGLK6bskgn4gRlw3hV1YsQUdaihjjwZrSdR_Ea0PLRNA2L9YGm1u3/s640/IMG_0073-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing nothing about the sport,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we were happy we brought a smartphone</div><div style="text-align: center;">to educate ourselves during the day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were surprised by how casual the event was</div><div style="text-align: center;">and that some of the teams were co-ed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We sat in metal bleachers</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">and bought our food/drink from the nearby caravans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Costing just £5 for the 'picnic ticket',</div><div style="text-align: center;">we found it to be very affordable</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6_ZyWL-Fu7inP0eYwoTD1xRQGi7CIi1JbufO-gSfDhFIWor81XZDrSEXdCOE-Fq5FzuWTnWJFiCqDi_seQtdVO70YAVxi5Uivkzn2k8GW_vFF9fzXUgM7NJTqabAp5Mk3Nw3TiCdGPla/s1600/IMG_0054-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6_ZyWL-Fu7inP0eYwoTD1xRQGi7CIi1JbufO-gSfDhFIWor81XZDrSEXdCOE-Fq5FzuWTnWJFiCqDi_seQtdVO70YAVxi5Uivkzn2k8GW_vFF9fzXUgM7NJTqabAp5Mk3Nw3TiCdGPla/s640/IMG_0054-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The announcer had hilarious commentary</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We even helped with 'divot stomping' at half-time</div><div style="text-align: center;">just like in the film 'Pretty Woman'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a great way to spend a few hours with the family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Venue: <a href="http://www.hampoloclub.com/">Ham Polo Club</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Polo Season

Savoring local sports,  we made our way to a polo match Knowing nothing about the sport, we were happy we brought a smartphone to educate ou...

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Giddy For Spring

<div style="text-align: center;">Spring has arrived!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lifting everyone's spirits</div><div style="text-align: center;">from such a long dreary winter,</div><div style="text-align: center;">everyone has a new spring in their step<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeni5k0RV4kSIQ0YvZ8ogDUg5C06UkAn2GBiblTrtXP0V9RriHhb7fPTAknojV_YQqQW6gwR-pY9_RmD8HDhgeMySAIJ8NKy5SrX3YxoYx-cYSlhnjh6YVjpT-_yD5eVAXS9dxJCpvbBa/s1600/DSC05460-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeni5k0RV4kSIQ0YvZ8ogDUg5C06UkAn2GBiblTrtXP0V9RriHhb7fPTAknojV_YQqQW6gwR-pY9_RmD8HDhgeMySAIJ8NKy5SrX3YxoYx-cYSlhnjh6YVjpT-_yD5eVAXS9dxJCpvbBa/s640/DSC05460-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This brave neighbor filled a bed with Forget-Me-Nots</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I suppose they are so easy to pull out of the ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">and happy to reseed, </div><div style="text-align: center;">why not?<br /><br />Beeeaaauuutttifulllll!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a long holiday weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the sun is shining,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I'm running out the door to be outside...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Giddy For Spring

Spring has arrived! Lifting everyone's spirits from such a long dreary winter, everyone has a new spring in their step This brave neighb...

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From Wigs To Windows

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ever wonder why those 18th century wigs went out of fashion?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a good little story...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m7An3I_POUmvoRf4vryR8Avz1bvHt0bMIiC6BEKOZ0IWELGdp3hwXpcos1yElv5yxaCtZE5RikzPSiRljf5r0u944baMn4Mm6JeiC9hG7CMVgHTqTSmeNu56ATTyt3hakhOB27HKi-Yf/s1600/518px-George_III_(by_Allan_Ramsay).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m7An3I_POUmvoRf4vryR8Avz1bvHt0bMIiC6BEKOZ0IWELGdp3hwXpcos1yElv5yxaCtZE5RikzPSiRljf5r0u944baMn4Mm6JeiC9hG7CMVgHTqTSmeNu56ATTyt3hakhOB27HKi-Yf/s400/518px-George_III_(by_Allan_Ramsay).jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George III (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_iii">wikipedia</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fashion in the day for men was horsehair (or goat) wigs,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which tended to be scratchy and bug infested</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They were powdered with finely ground starch</div><div style="text-align: center;">scented with orange flower, lavender or orris root</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the government started to tax wigs to help fund</div><div style="text-align: center;">the American War of Independence,<br />men started to ditch the wigs<br />and just powder their own hair by the 1780s<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 1795, the government taxed the powder,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and out went the wig and powder fashion all together</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, another interesting tax sprang up</div><div style="text-align: center;">which you still see evidence of in England </div><div style="text-align: center;">and other European countries today</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Window Tax<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphbUz979sFlXb9kwiKZ3F2o__Y6DlgSElCMzXfTrkKs2fs_8Bm5xQRqFywSS1pfbl7v-0xuuWofXYVqQnZumCPso6cqGBWSsKnA1NM6momgYkAn2JAyYUPHUShdMQzAmhX02sVUhNYi5D/s1600/DSC05317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphbUz979sFlXb9kwiKZ3F2o__Y6DlgSElCMzXfTrkKs2fs_8Bm5xQRqFywSS1pfbl7v-0xuuWofXYVqQnZumCPso6cqGBWSsKnA1NM6momgYkAn2JAyYUPHUShdMQzAmhX02sVUhNYi5D/s640/DSC05317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Introduced by King William III in 1696,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this unpopular tax was seen as taxing 'light and air'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The thought was </div><div style="text-align: center;">the bigger the house, the more windows it would have,</div><div style="text-align: center;">thus the more tax the occupants would pay</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A house with fewer than twenty windows could escape the window tax</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This tax was easy to access from the street by tax collectors</div><div style="text-align: center;">so occupants started to brick up their windows</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although the window tax was repealed in 1851</div><div style="text-align: center;">under Queen Victoria,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you still see evidence of it today</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The horsehair wigs,</div><div style="text-align: center;">not so much</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wig">1</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_Tax">2</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

From Wigs To Windows

Ever wonder why those 18th century wigs went out of fashion? Here's a good little story... George III ( wikipedia ) The fashion in the d...

Read more »