So no walks for nearly a week after a busy birthday weekend and somewhere different today. Nearly didn’t include this but then decided that there was quite a lot of direct walking as well as some wandering!
So I started my day in Clapham Junction and walked down to the station, venturing to one of the furthest platforms before setting off for Hampton Court. The train was absolutely packed – not good for Covid! Quite a walk from the station over the river towards Hampton Court. There are two entrances I can use and I decide to take advantage of the one that goes into one of the formal gardens and quite close to the house.
So right up close to the house before entering into RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) Hampton Court Flower Show. I’ve come on one of the two Members only days courtesy on a Christmas present – the tickets are still quite expensive but this is a new experience
There is an extensive map and I can see I will have to concentrate hard to visit all of the sections. There are a huge number of stalls selling everything you could ever possibly imagine wanting/ needing for your garden – most of which would have to be huge!
Having walked down this first ‘boulevard’ of ostentatious garden furniture and the like I venture to the Floral marquee and plant heritage- much more calming and reasonable. Just sad that I’m travelling by train and feel envious of those with pull along trolleys that are being loaded with luscious plants. I did buy a few packets of heritage seeds which I must remember to sow next year!
After more wandering I venture to the allotments which are on this side of the water- quite refreshing to be near here. Some fun and quirky ideas and not really like any allotments I’ve ever seen!
On my way did call in at the Rhino Greenhouse stand to ask about fitting their very narrow gauge drain pipes to water butts – must remember to follow up his advice!
Back over to the larger part of the arena to catch a few show gardens before finding some lunch. They all have very different designs and purposes and I feel I should at least be taking notes- instead just enjoying the colour and harmony of the planting and intrigued by some of the ‘furniture’ which helps create sculptural effects.
Well an ice cream was delicious and expensive, the Fortnum and Mason Hamper van was not my lunch place of choice! Really wished I’d bought a sandwich before going in to the show. Ended up with a very good and large almond croissant and a cup of tea. Filled a gap and tasted good!
Whilst I’d been in the ‘Country Living ‘ tent I’d bought a very good, strong set of French secateurs – can’t wait to use these! So many things in here I’d never dream of buying – different world.
I ventured to the children’s exhibits where schools had considered sustainability and habitats – more my style and yes I did give in and sign up to subscribe each month to the Woodland Trust and later the Ramblers!
So of to see more show gardens. Some great ideas, some set up by garden designers on behalf of charities, others telling stories of loss and grief. The Finnish forest area did remind me a little of the tranquility of parts of my own garden.
I must admit to getting a bit ‘lost’ trying to make sure I’d gone down every aisle and found everything. Did call in at the tent about botanicals in cocktails but decided I probably would never use his words of wisdom so moved on! There was some good music playing at times so a great sunny day vibe but really having seen everything it was time to make my way to the Thames gate and another area of excellence where I couldn’t buy! Some of the perfumes in the Festival of Roses were beautiful.
So an enjoyable day finished with a walk along the Thames before going over the bridge and back to the station. Added a bit to my walk as I had to go back up to the flat to get my belongings and then back down to the station! I did buy a sandwich on the way – definitely take a picnic if I did this again!
I covered just over 12.5 kilometres so a good wander!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 