In 2010 over 30 garden bloggers from all over the world met for the first ever UK get together at RHS Malvern Spring Show. This blog documents the lead up to that event plus the subsequent informal get togethers we've had in Malvern. There are also insights into the events of 2009, insider views from various exhibitors and personal views of Malvern and surrounding places of interest.

Thus this blog also forms a valuable resource for anyone wanting to visit either the spring or autumn versions of the show, or contemplating a visit to the area.

Saturday 6 February 2010

A Vague Plan is Emerging...

As of yesterday afternoon we have 17 people confirmed for Meet @ Malvern, with another 17 interested. This includes James, Claire, Deb and Cleve who will all be working at the show in some capacity. Helen and I are planning to be there most days and the rest of you will be mainly popping along for a day.

Of the bloggers not working at the show, the potential attendance numbers are looking like:
  • Thursday = 4 confirmed + 10 possibles
  • Friday = 12 confirmed + 10 possibles
  • Saturday = 7 confirmed + 11 possibles
  • Sunday = 0 confirmed + 9 possibles

On the basis of these numbers Helen and I have devised the following cunning plan:

Thursday 6th May

  • Daytime - at the show, where else? :) Highlights include the judges doing their stuff re the awarding of medals, there'll be the bestest selection of plants and the Chris Beardshaw mentorship will be awarded to one lucky designer
  • Evening - optional pub meal. This is likely to be on the Colwall side of the Malvern Hills as this is the area where the majority of people who've said they're staying on Thursday night have booked their accommodation

Friday 7th May

  • Daytime - at the show. The live debut of Three Men Went to Mow beckons. Details of further highlights to follow
  • Evening - informal gathering at Helen's house. Bring your own drink, plus any nibbles you'd like. If you can squeeze in a cushion into your luggage/car (allowing for the fact you'll be stuffing it with plants later) that'll be most helpful as it's looking like seating will be at a premium. Takeaway menus will be available for you to choose a meal of your preferred international cuisine (or fish and chips). Helen will be providing puds... and cake

Now everyone (adopts stance like her mum does), you've got to promise you'll be on best behaviour at Helen's. She'll be frantically tidying up her garden, but blindfolds will be provided if you approach that area as she doesn't want you peeking and making rude comments. So there.

Saturday 8th May

  • Daytime - at the show
  • Evening - we've taken the plunge and booked a table for 15 at Ask. The usual pizza and pasta fare, but pretty good nevertheless. Apparently they were quite taken aback at Helen booking so early until she explained it's the Malvern Spring Show weekend!

Sunday 9th May

  • Daytime - at the show. Helen's planning to flop, Victoria, Yolanda and I will probably be walking and chilling out in the lovely garden of our B&B, the rest of you will be either fighting over the bargains at the plant sell-off, or wending your way home

14 comments:

Helen/patientgardener said...

Looks good to me - might come over to yours on the Sunday to have a nose at the garden and then I can drop Victoria at Gt Malvern station if she wants

My Dirty Life said...

Hi, its looking good, Sure I have confirmed, but I am arriving Thursday leaving Sunday so will be there for all dates. Though will have to produce homework and study notes to a couple of people so hopefully they will not keep me for to long whilst tutting at my work.

Oh by the way want to learn lots from everyone so will be drillling everyone with pointless questions.

Zoë said...

sounds Fab, and well done both of you for organising it.

Thanks to PG too for allowing us to descend on her - very brave move x

Helen/patientgardener said...

Zoe - I dont know about brave, mad more like!! Already panicing about the garden!!!

M@M aka VP ;) said...

PG - glad you like it. Not sure how Victoria is getting there.

AVDRS - have DM'd you - I have you down for those dates but wasn't sure how many days you're planning on visiting the show and which evening do's you're thinking of coming to. I can leave it flexible for the mo' if you want - I have you as possible for everything except for Sunday as I'm assuming travelling home isn't via the show 1st!

Zoe - thank you. And PG's a gem isn't she? :)

Anonymous said...

Count us in! We are still working on those pesky details like planes and lodging, but still want to be included. We will get there. :-)

Can't wait to meet everyone!

Karen - An Artist's Garden said...

Helen - you are lovely to have us all
VP - I salute you
Frances - I am so excited!

Helen/patientgardener said...

My Mum has offered to make some puds for Friday so looking good

Anna said...

It all sounds great. Helen you are star* Thanks to both of you for all the effort you are putting into this. It's much appeciated!

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

So looking forward to it. Thank you Helen. Do you want anyone to bring wine supplies? May as well stick to my speciality. Just let me know.

Anne Wareham said...

It all sounds really exciting and I will try to make the Thursday events or failing that, Saturday evening.

Veddw will be on the way for some people from SW and S Wales, if anyone might want to call in - as long as not before 11 am. (which may make it impossible!)Contact me if you'd like to arrange something...

M@M aka VP ;) said...

Frances - it's fantastic that you and Gail will be here :D

Karen - I'm excited too!

PG - mmmm puds! Might need a plan C though?

Anna - thank you :)

Elizabethm - definitely yes to the wine :)

Anne - looking forward to seeing you there...

Frankie said...

Pooh - think I am already booked Sat evening but will be there daytime.... will be better organised next year.

M@M aka VP ;) said...

That's a shame Frankie. Look forward to seeing you and Mel during the show though :)