“Part of a £160 million investment programme” 

Before I start, for those who have visited the garden for years, you will have seen quite a change taking place. The focus on investment in the future of horticulture is apparent, the colossal newly opened entrance this year is a sight to behold. As the leading horticultural charity in the world, it needs help from the general public, sponsors & members to maintain its prestigious science & education programs, not to mention the multiple projects it runs. Thus a new welcome center was needed to be able to accommodate the growing attendance to the garden, which in turn opens up new possibilities where the old entrance, shop & cafe once stood.

For me, I will truly miss the original entrance, I favor change but I am very fond of the old and quaint. Though rather small, it had that secret garden feel. Turning the corner through the gate & brushing past the 18th-century laboratory just gave you that little bit extra you know.

The future is still iConic

The jewel of #Wisley, I am very pleased to hear from Curator Matthew Pottage that the new planned gardens will be wrapping around the entire building showing off the rest of its wonder. The investment program has only really begun, frankly, I am too excited. Who knew the garden had so much more to offer us, to think that more inspiring spaces are soon to come is overwhelming indeed. As gardeners, our need for more knowledge, design & landscaping techniques is growing very fast. We have an army of horticultural influencers showing us new & exciting things & it would be nice to have places to showcase them.

New additions

The #BackToNature garden was opened this year by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, in partnership with Adam White & Andree Davies. It is perfect and a marvelous addition to the garden, I’ve always admired the hidden wonders for children at Kew Gardens with their tree dens & things to explore. To be able to inspire the next generation, get them dirty & get them asking those growing questions is crucial. With the aid of the new trialing gardens, children can explore lots of new things & possibly want to grow their own at home or at school.

I march to Battleston Hill! for Queen & Country…

Curator Matthew Pottage

Tree ferns all cozy for winter

I have a tradition at Wisley, I enter & immediately head for the hills. I have on occasions thought to change this but I enjoy seeing the crowds trundle off to the glasshouse while I walk off to tree bathe in solitude amongst the conifers & shrubs. A wonderful adventure awaits, tiny paths laden with bark chips tease you in every direction, the vast collection of trees & shrubs are wondrous. The textures, colours of bark, trunks & leaves are lovely. What also is a real treat is that you may be lucky enough to see Curator Matthew Pottage while you are enjoying the sights. He just popped out of a bush and was extremely pleasant to converse with, this picture was taken only 6 months after he became Curator. There are little treasures to be found throughout, I love seeing the Tree ferns ‘Dicksonia antarctica’. They are grouped together like a little family hidden away, you find these just before the Trial Fields. Plants are trialed at Wisley to find the best of the best, aptly named AGM varieties. Its quite a sight, one of the largest open-air trials that visitors have access to. Do take a pen and pad to note down which ones you like, from here I move onto my favorite fragrant hill stroll.

Sculptures adorn the landscape

It’s hard not to miss some of these as they are rather large, like this chair by Henry bruce. Throughout the seasons, sculpture trails appear & are a wonderful spectacle, leading you through the garden in search of wonders with spectacular backdrops. From the trial fields, I head up & over the hill towards the alpine houses, this is my favorite part as I follow a path smothered in Daphnes with the most intoxicating fragrance. With not much time to smell the roses in the rose garden, I head to the Alpine houses looked after by team leader Peter Goodchild

If you are a lover of plants, seeing them in miniature will make you fall in love again. The foliage and flower heads are so detailed it just makes you move in closer to take a greater look. Living art on show for all to admire, I can only imagine being inside the alpine house when it is raining, if only there were a chair & book to read. It is always on my list of must-dos, Peter and the team make it look so easy to keep. I am never not impressed & it makes a wonderful break before reaching the glasshouse.

A tiptoe through the rocks

Step out from the alpine houses & be amazed, the perfect planting, quirky paths & water features are lush. If I may for one-second pick a fault with the rock garden is that there are too many intriguing paths to follow. I find myself going up, down and around because I hate not knowing what I could possibly miss. Wisley has me going around and around like some nutcase. It is fabulous for the thighs and a good work out as well. The routes are very romantic & welcoming, walking a great garden is never a chore I just wish I could stop time every so often.

We made it, but first!

I try to return to my Britishness as much as I can, my morning routine is not without cause of course. I am working myself up to something rather special around lunchtime. Most of you are quite right in saying the #Glasshouse is the pinnacle of the trip but I find that my “Cheese & Branston pickle sandwich” at the Glasshouse cafe by Company of Cooks as the ‘Pièce de résistance’. With a most satisfying lunch, I peer out the window at my

House of glass.

There is just something about an indoor tropical paradise with a waterfall that makes you go wow! we are drawn to it and adore it. The Butterflies in the glasshouse was remarkable, if there were ever a day to visit it would be this as it truly takes away those winter blues. A sensory overload where the air is filled with fluttery colour, I for one loved the experience. All inspiring, immerse yourself in the three temperate zones and find something new.

“Now for a walk in the pines & a pop to the #Prop”

Bernard Boardman

After a luxurious walk amongst the jade vines, coffee & bananas it’s off to the pinetum for a bit of tree bathing. Still, a wonderous garden awaits as you stroll along passed the bamboos which are outstanding. Borders are filled with excitement, winter colours are vibrant and the scents accompanying them. Not to mention a few friendly faces, it is great to meet up with some true legends.

Pine smell & needles, what more can a gardener ask for, I’m a big fan of pines even before I emigrated to Norway. They grow in such an awkward manner it fascinates me, the green & bronze are so striking. What I love about trees is that they remind us who is really in charge, I head to see the giant redwood, oaks & other conifers on my way to the far end of the garden where the newly planted heathers are.

Propagation house

As an RHS student, the #RHSeducation qualifications have shown me many wonderful job opportunities within horticulture & also quite a lot of specialized fields like water, soil, and my favorite propagation. With the new investment program, the Wisley propagation department has been relocated to a new, state of the art facility located just off property on Wisley Lane. I was thrilled when I heard that I was going to meet the team, a personal tour behind the scenes.

I give thanks once again to Curator Matthew Pottage for organizing this wonderful experience for me and being able to share with you my tour with Sam Gallivan & Paul on #YouTube (Click on the link for full tour).

I do hope that I have said enough to inspire a visit to RHS Garden Wisley next year, why not become a member & support the future of horticulture then you will be able to visit as many times as you like for free.

(Join today)

Thank you for reading, Have a wonderful Christmas & a happy new year #gardeners !

Grab a pensioner!

I’ve been going to Chelsea for about 14 years now, I truly love #London & revel in my trip every year. I never knew that my first visit would inspire me so much that it would lead me into the world of horticulture. I loved my childhood gardening with my grandfather, those #ChelseaPensioners remind me of him. When I get a chance I grab a picture and have a chat, I highly recommend you do so on your next visit.

James Wong back then

It is hard to explain ChelseaLife but I will try my best to do so, firstly I openly ask you to become an RHS Member. Last year they surpassed 500,000 members which is simply amazing. For such a small yearly fee the benefits are outstanding, one of which is members-only days at RHS Shows & early ticket purchase. Press day Monday opens the event & the Royal family visit so it is closed on this day. #ChelseaTuesday as I call it is the first official open day to the public, it is members day and when medals are awarded. Though busy, it’s outstanding as things are new & fresh. The quicker you can attend the show the better as the show quality is at its best. Also, Designers & garden celebrities are out and about so keep a lookout.

Have a SHOW & PIMS plan! 

It’s not essential of course, a general direction to start is good to have as it can be busy by the main garden entrance. As a quick #Tip, the bulk of the crowd roar off to the main avenue to see the show gardens. You have plenty of time to see them through the day, I relax & head off to the Artisan Gardens first.  Left, right, left & round is my motto, immediately after you leave the crowds you relax, I’m there the full 12 hours so having a no rush agenda is best. I love to soak up the British atmosphere and meet people, I make it a point to Network. I meet up with #gardening friends, talk to my suppliers & hopefully make a few more. Try some culinary delights & sample some summer alcoholic English traditions #PIMS. The sun never seems to disappoint, nothing better than feeling dapper with a glass of bubbles, tell me what’s better?.

The variety at the show is never dull & well-orchestrated, gems seem to be scattered & waiting to be discovered all over the show. I admit, I am so entranced that I hardly eat at all, all day. I favor getting lost in the show then wasting time queuing for food, my choice of course but it is my one & only day to indulge in everything #Horti. To go back a step if I may, If you have a general question about THE RHS or the show please ask the information desk. It is located on your immediate left after entering by the main gate by lost property, I find them extremely knowledgable & willing to help. #TIP You can charge your mobile phone here but bring your own charger, they are fine to watch over it but not obligated to do so so it’s your responsibly if it goes missing but this was fabulous of them I thought.

160,000 people visit The Chelsea Flower Show every year!

Get lost & discover!!

I truly love the randomness of every show, you think you have seen it all then Wham! a green bear or shiny graffitied apple. It borders eccentric but rather intoxicating after a brief spell, it just works. A celebration of pushing the horticultural boundaries, the industry pulls in, in my opinion, the best of all trades & crafts. Outstanding purchases to also be made, order a bespoke forged gate or hand-carved nameplate made from green oak is just a few off the top of my head. This is why I need a full 12 hours there, though a small show, Chelsea has an extraordinary layout with hidden areas. There are also many more small & large businesses then you think surrounding the Great Pavilion, you can get caught up in walking the main avenues and miss the second row of shops by Chilstone & Pavilion way.

The Gardens

The Highlight of one’s day, extraordinary feats of engineering, we revel in the beauty of the planting and message in portrays. The atmosphere is electric at the gardens, it is truly a spectacle to behold & urge you to visit one day.

On a given day the crowds can be 39,000 people, it amazes me still the number of people trying to get a glimpse of the gardens. Usually, 3 people deep at the main show gardens, being tall or having long arms to take a picture from above is my only solution to this flowery mayhem. Gone are the days of strolling such events, it feels a bit overwhelming and frustrating especially if your trip has built up to this moment to grab a glimpse at something of interest to you. Patience & kindness will win in the end but can you wait? My observations thus are, people are more interested in seeing the grouping of flowers up close. Of course the gardens, as one entity, are the main event but people talk most about the chosen flowers when they finally get to the front. I’ve thought about this for a while now, do we go to dream or to escape. Can we possibly manage such a garden ourselves, the choice of materials used are luxuriously priced so what are we looking for? We go to not just inspire our physical surroundings but our minds, are we becoming more aware as a society of our #MentalHealth & Wellbeing?.

“Gardening will become more important to us, growing our own medicine is the way forward” 

Friendly faces

Adam White

Jo Thompson

It wouldn’t be #Chelsea without meeting the Designers, a great way to follow more closely their work is to follow them on #Twitter. The RHS will be outstanding at keeping us up to date on the gardens as they develop.  A one to one with the designers themselves though, will give a greater look at the work that goes into the project as it happens, to give you a better overview. I make a point of meeting a few, it is wonderful to grab a moment with them & try and extract their energy & drive. I am very fortunate to have made a few great friends, they have been marvelous support & always on hand to give you a morale boost even if they are abroad in Russia! Long story but I’ve been lucky to have connected with a few truly remarkable human beings, good to be bold sometimes. Social media thus far has been a unique tool & very kind, I believe, if used wisely, it can & will improve our #gardening. Thanks #AdamWhite & #JoThompson

The Hall of Fame 

Thanks to #MontyDon #CarolKlein #TobyBuckland #MarkLane #SimonLycett #SueBiggs #AdamFrost #JoSwift #NickBailey #FrancesTophill #JamesWong #MatthewPottage

We say Goodbye but never forgotten! We hope to still see you at the shows Zoe.

Zoe Fontannaz of Garden Brocante

A #Horti haze of wonders

Mr Nuts about Gardening himself

Chito (The Hat Man )

The shows boast the best in horti purchases, its a lavish gardening shopping paradise with beautiful products to tempt your pockets. A sea of friendly faces as you walk down Eastern Avenue, you must take home at least one memory of Chelsea so take a really long look.

Neil Urry of VegePod

Cacoon

I love meeting up with friends & making new ones, keep those eyes peeled as it can be a bit crowded. I’m like a homing beacon of unique characters & Chelsea never disappoints. I do love meeting people and looking for new products to bring back to Norway, it is such a wonderful day networking & making others smile at my fabulous attire. Chelsea is all about the show & I bring it every year, one loves a #London gent. I try to relax but with so many amazing products to try & see I am rather exhausted but I find ways!

Thanks to M&G Garden for sponsoring the event & getting in touch, look forward to seeing you next year!

#hagebrukspesialisten #theenglishgardener #goprogardener

Kelly & Peter of Gold Leaf Gloves at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018

Practically perfect in every way and Mary Poppins was quite right, if you haven’t had the pleasure of your gardening hands being pampered by the finest gloves in horticulture, then I recommend popping down to a gardening show soon to see Gold Leaf Gloves.

It is hard not to be impressed by the quality & fit, I have been a huge fan before I had the pleasure of working as a team to promote them on the west coast of Norway as an approved reseller. Most of you have experienced the cheap gardening glove option for years, I present a thought to you. If you could wear something that not only looks & feels amazing but at that very moment enhances your desire to do more gardening then why god why are we still wasting time & money on cheap gloves.

Let’s take a look at what’s on offer, gloves are a must-buy for most amateurs & professional gardeners. Gardeners can suffer Snags, punctures, infections or even more serious issues like Sepsis. Hand Protection is top priority, think of clearing out an overgrown garden full of brambles, roses & debris with no gloves or even that cheap gloves. With a huge increase in cutting blades & tools on the market, it only goes to say that you need something in between your skin & your choice of cutting tool.

• DRY TOUCH ( Ladies & Gents )

Great for wet regions, after a shower, gardening continues whether it be clearing borders or removing a pile of garden waste. I hate working with wet hands but these have superior water resistance, plus you don’t lose the feel of the task at hand with the super-thin layer.

• SOFT TOUCH ( Ladies & Gents )

My personal favorite of the four, my most of the season glove. It rains a lot here in Norway, don’t get them too wet as the colour can run, so i just switch out to DRY TOUCH. A fabulous general glove for all sorts of #gardening tasks.  Snug fit means you are in control of jobs, they can handle roses but remember that your backhand isn’t that protected from those thorns. We have another TOUGH glove that loves roses 🙂

• TOUGH TOUCH ( Ladies & Gents)

Now you are in safe hands with TOUGH TOUCH, no whisper of a doubt handling sharp, thorny plants. You can climb a ladder made of roses with these, lightweight and also they do wonders in summer conifer pruning tasks. Those branches that irritate & scratch your forearm will no longer be a concern.

• WINTER TOUCH ( Ladies & Gents )

An exceptional glove & a hard worker for me in Norway, cold weather tested & approved here. A joy on the hand & follows me everywhere. The perfect companion when pruning trees in winter.

Its been a pleasure sharing my experience with The Finest Gold Leaves in Scandinavia

#hagebrukspesialisten #theenglishgardener #goprogardener

Photos by Geir Bjørndal Srisoi

Welcome new followers to my Garden blog first of all, are you interested in knowing more about what it is like to be an (RHS) member & the benefits that it holds?

I am a member with an annual automatic renewal set up with my bank via direct debit, this means that I don’t need to worry about applying every year plus you get a huge discount as well, so enough said.

• Unlimited entry to our four RHS Gardens for the member and a family guest or 2 children
• Free member access to more than 200 RHS Partner Gardens
• Members’ Days or savings on tickets to RHS Shows
• Monthly subscription to The Garden magazine
• Personalized RHS Gardening Advice
•  Contact membership@rhs.org.uk or calling 020 3176 5810 (open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, excluding bank holidays).

Sue Biggs (Director General of the RHS)

Even though I reside outside the UK it doesn’t matter, you receive your membership card & The Garden magazine in the post “The magazine can take up to 1 to 2 weeks to receive it in the post in Scandinavia” so keep that in mind.

The Garden magazine:

A very thorough look at Horticulture & gardening in general, A fine read & very up to date with new plants, pest control, garden management, and packed with inspiration. For sale without membership but a wonderful membership benefit.

THE (RHS) Website www.rhs.org.uk

What not to miss:

Plant Finder This is simply amazing, what a great tool to commemorate friends or family members on special occasions. Going the extra mile to put the final touch to make it even more memorable. I love this! Plant Finder

Soil Testing Fantastic, have you ever wondered about pH or soil nutrients for your new planting project. Before you start planting up, take a soil test & send it into the RHS for testing. Every plant is different & has different needs, plants can be a big investment so give them the best start by checking their new home first. Email: soiltestpack@rhs.org.uk

Seed Scheme RHS members seed scheme is a unique benefit, a broad range of seeds harvested every year from the gardens & offered to members for a very small cost from an annual seed catalog that is sent to every member. Could it get any better, YES! Seed Scheme

Growing VEG?? No need to look anywhere else, use the website for every possible growing need. New to vegetable growing or looking to grow more but have no clue, the site offers little gems like this: Veg planner

Ok so you get my point about the website, much more if you have a little rummage, I myself use it weekly to ID check plants, look up plant suppliers & keep up with top advice from the best in the business. It is an all-round needed tool for amateur as well as professional gardeners, anyone with a slight interest in horticulture will find it most satisfying flicking through.

Top advice: Email the gardening team

Wow and double wow, for a yearly fee of just 47.25 GBP ( Join ) you get the added bonus of sending a direct gardening question straight to the team at RHS Garden Wisley. A direct line to a team of Pathologists, entomologist & scientists with PhDs in all matters of horticulture. Best to send also an image of the problem as it speeds up the process, fungal problem or insect Identification isn’t a problem. So, I think you are covered & in good hands to solve all of your personal gardening needs. The advice that I received was extremely helpful, they can advise on specific plant literature & send you recommendations. Soil or water questions, no problems as they have both scientists on-site to ask, there isn’t a question they cannot answer really. Probably the best benefit of all the benefits you receive from your membership.

My Personal favorite: Grow Your Own App from iTunes

From the RHS Web team & renewed in 2017

Your own personal gardener in your pocket, keeping you up to date with jobs needed doing in your garden or your fruit & veg allotment. A great tool for Children gardening, a wonderful addition for Campaign for School Gardening

Check it out!!!!

Thank you again for your time & I hope you have discovered something new today.

#hagebrukspesialisten #theenglishgardener #goprogardener