Well, that was good fun! Hello to everyone I got to speak to at Gardeners World Live in Birmingham this weekend, and apologies if I missed anyone as I gadded about through the crowds doing my various talks (and buying plants!).
I'll add in photos for you to peruse of the RSPB stand and some of the show gardens once they're downloaded, but here were my headlines:
* RSPB volunteers had done a brilliant job in growing most of the plants used on the Highly Commended RSPB stand (left). It was an 8 metre by 8 metre representation of the habitats on RSPB nature reserves (complete with 6 foot high Avocet). It might not have been as slick as the sponsored show gardens, but the RSPB team certainly showed how to do things with passion.
* I always like to see which show garden is actually working hardest for wildlife, and interestingly it was the 'Best in Show' Girl Guiding garden. Their simple design stuffed with poppies, Corn Marigolds and Cornflowers was buzzing with bees and hoverflies
* My favourite part of any show is the Floral Marquee, seeing amazing garden plants and people's response to them. So I felt extra privileged (and slightly daunted) to give a talk there about plants for bees and butterflies on the 'Ask the Expert' stage.
* And it was great to be able to speak to so many people passionate about of gardening for wildlife, and to hear their tips. The recommendation that Photinia 'Red Robin' is great for bees, for example, has been duly noted...and is now passed on to you all!