Sandringham Flower Show

Yeah, really pleased to say that I have been invited to design and build an 8mx8m show garden for Sandringham flower show this year (2009). This is my local show and is a lot more relaxed than the RHS shows but it is judged by Chris Beardshaw and Alan Mason so no slacking.So after much tweaking of my design plan now all I have to do is find sponsors for the loan of plants and supplies. The biggest challenge being 40 UK standard size wooden pallets, I know this may sound stange but all will become clearer closer to the show.This is my first show garden and I have decided to do an update for this blog as things progress a sort of diary, at first this will be few and far between but as the show approaches I hope to update it more often.

Finding the 40 standard pallets may not be as hard as you think if you go about it the right way.

Logistic companies, and print companies are among two who use a high number of pallets. Not only may they be happy to lend them to you but if you present it right they may well be happy to transport them to where you want. The key is in what they will get out of it.

My daughter persuaded companies to donate £3500 in total to put on a charity concert with the promise of providing pictures they could use in their newsletters/company magazines. As she was under budget the sponsors agreed to letting her use what was left to put on a party for local disabled children.

As your going around look for companies who have a high number of pallets sitting outside, especialy in industrial parks, you are more likely to be able to source them all from one company. But need only find 4 companies who are happy to loan you 10 each to make the numbers up. The earlier you are able to approach companies the better. Pallets do take up a lot of space, and space is money, so some companies try not to hold onto too many spare pallets. If they know in advance they may be willing to store extra for the photo opportunity of involvement in a local event. Of course, you may find there is a local company which makes them.

Good luck.

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Comments

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Phil Voice January 23, 2009 at 10:43am

That sounds a great plan Shadow and I will be looking forward to your blogs.

Kind regards

Phil
dgeorgea January 23, 2009 at 12:09pm

Finding the 40 standard pallets may not be as hard as you think if you go about it the right way.

Logistic companies, and print companies are among two who use a high number of pallets. Not only may they be happy to lend them to you but if you present it right they may well be happy to transport them to where you want. The key is in what they will get out of it.

My daughter persuaded companies to donate £3500 in total to put on a charity concert with the promise of providing pictures they could use in their newsletters/company magazines. As she was under budget the sponsors agreed to letting her use what was left to put on a party for local disabled children.

As your going around look for companies who have a high number of pallets sitting outside, especialy in industrial parks, you are more likely to be able to source them all from one company. But need only find 4 companies who are happy to loan you 10 each to make the numbers up. The earlier you are able to approach companies the better. Pallets do take up a lot of space, and space is money, so some companies try not to hold onto too many spare pallets. If they know in advance they may be willing to store extra for the photo opportunity of involvement in a local event. Of course, you may find there is a local company which makes them.

Good luck.
Nick Steele January 23, 2009 at 8:28pm

If you don't mind the pallets being blue, approach CHEP (the pallet hire company) - I'm sure they would be happy to help (lots of horticultural companies use their pallets so they ought to be well disposed to help you....