Buzz before the show

There’s just 4 days to go to Southport Flower Show and I can’t wait!As a garden designer there’s part of me that can’t help wishing I was doing a garden at this year’s show. But then commonsense kicks in and reminds me I’ve enough on my plate with this show, judging the student design competition, organising the speakers for the Grand Floral Marquee - oh and preparing my talk ‘Creating successful flower borders’…as well as my day job designing gardens and giving horticultural advice.This year’s show garden designers and landscapers are working flat out now. Once the building work started many locals (including me – I admit it!) made regular detours past Victoria park to see how things are progressing. During ‘Build up’ the whole mood of the site is dictated by the weather so today’s sunshine is most welcome. It’s great to see old hands helping newcomers with loans of boys toys or tips on where to get vital supplies and receiving mugs of tea and choccy biscuits as thanks. One of the great sights is Keith driving round on his JCB quietly and efficiently squeezing through impossibly small gaps between white vans without ever so much as a scratch.Every year I’m surprised at how tiny plots chalked out on the ground seem to grow in size as they’re built into gardens and stands. Now that the marquees are up the nurseries and sundries sellers are beginning to arrive. The night before the show opens, the florists will arrive. They leave it to the last minute, keen to keep their blooms really fresh.All shows usually have a last minute panic – usually too much or not enough water or electricity but the team behind the scenes work steadily and (if required) through the night so everything is as pristine and perfect as it can be for opening day.There’s such a buzz on the first day of the show as everyone catches up with old friends and new ideas. Many exhibitors arrive very early - the perfect time to get a sneak pre-view of the floral displays and completed show gardens. Not to mention be tempted by the scent of hot coffee and bacon butties. I might need one or two to keep me going – especially when I’m doing the Q&A session on the bandstand the weekend. If you’re going to the show do come and say hello.Southport Flower Show runs from Thursday 19-22nd August 2010

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