The Garden Press Event is a chance for those of us who write about gardens and gardening to catch up with what’s new in the trade – and with each other. It’s a packed day with lots of stands to see and dozens of people to chat with.
It seems the current obsession with houseplants is showing no sign of diminishing with succulents particularly in favour.
Several stands had ideas on how to display them indoors and they featured in a few press packs.
I liked the simplicity of the tiny pots by Ivyline and the colours.
Burgon & Ball are now selling their rather cute hanging pots in a pack of three and also had a dish designed for the on-trend tillandsia (air plants).
The firm was launching a few new products, including, given the current news, the rather unfortunately named Corona range of tools. These are the go-to make for professional gardeners in America and started in 1928. I’m hoping to trial some of them.
Also new is the Burgon & Ball National Trust range, which has everything from hand tools to spades and border forks.
“It’s a return to more traditional techniques,” Alison Edwards told me. “The tools are made from a solid piece of steel, not welded.”
Something new that caught my eye were the HydroVeg Kits®. These have been developed by Sue Tonks, who admitted she isn’t keen on gardening. However, she wanted to grow some veg – preferably without having to dig or weed – and in a small space.
The result is the kit where plants are grown hydroponically, a system that Sue says uses less water and gives faster growth. All you need is an outdoor source of electricity.
Certainly raising crops up should keep the slugs and snails off.
Peat-free compost was well represented with Melcourt showing off their new SylvaGrow Pot and Basket compost, which is designed to retain water.
Dalefoot Composts were also there with their range made from composted bark and sheep wool.
It was noticeable that every time I passed the stand for the only firm actively marketing compost made from peat there was no one talking to the team. I almost felt sorry for them.
Among the many people I caught up with at the Garden Press Event were Claire Austin, who told me about her return to the show circuit. She’ll be displaying her range of perennials at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in July.
In contrast, Rob and Rosy Hardy of Hardys Cottage Garden Plants are cutting back on their show commitments and will be exhibiting at RHS Chelsea for the last time this year – their 28th appearance. Their Chelsea exhibit is being supported by gardening app Candide and will be a huge display, three-quarters of the size of a Main Avenue show garden.
The pair will still be at regional shows, including RHS Malvern Spring Festival and the Malvern Autumn Show, as well as plant fairs, such as the Generous Gardener sales in the Cotswolds.
“We’re going out with a really lovely big display,” Rosy said. “We’re not leaving Chelsea completely as we will still grow plants for gardens and will mentor young exhibitors.”
Naturally there were plants to see. This Kalanchoe ‘Dolly’ from Thompson & Morgan is a stunner with pale pink and cream flowers that resemble a double aquilegia.
I also came home with a new tomato – ‘Reisentomate’ from Dobies’ organic range. It produces unusual clusters of cherry-sized fruit that are fused together. Evidently you can then peel them off individually. I’m looking forward to seeing this crop.
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